Human skin has special cells, melanocytes. These cells provide natural, built-in sun protection. You can see it in action each time you tan. Melanocytes produce dark brown substance, called melanin, which does not allow sun rays to penetrate deep into skin layers as it would be damaging. At same time sun light stimulates cell generation, skin becomes thicker, and therefore more resistant to UV rays. Turns out sun is actually good for skin.

Well... People with fair skin don't have enough melanin producing cells, their sun protection mechanism is not strong, and these people get sun burns pretty quickly. UV rays have a very strong biological effect, they can damage protein molecules and even alter genetic material causing healthy cells become malignant. So tanning is bad.

Could say so, but... Sun energy is good for health. Increased blood flow to skin stimulates cell regeneration, helps to fight acne, smooth scars and minor skin imperfections. Sun light is a necessary factor for Vitamin D production. Sun stimulates immune system and makes us feel happier and healthier.

So where is truth? As always, in middle.

Human body needs sun, but at same time it must be protected. To make contacts with sun enjoyable (as they should be), remember: - The most dangerous sun is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. - Sun rays penetrate glass windows, so being in sunny spot inside your house or while driving is just as dangerous as being outside. - Don't be deceived by cold weather or clouds: clouds let UV rays through, and UV radiation is not felt as heat. - Water won't prevent sunburns as harmful rays can penetrate water three feet deep.

Don't Let Your Skin Go Dry

Water makes up 60% of human body. Not only blood and other body fluids have water as their main ingredient, water is stored in all body tissues. Cytoplasm, cells and cell walls contain lots of water. Skin is a large water storage, yet it gets dry, itchy and flaky. Why?

Every day 4-8 oz. of water evaporates through skin, and we don't even notice how it happens. Replenishing water by drinking more fluids is helpful, but does not guarantee smooth and resilient skin. Moisture balance is regulated by chemical reactions in tissues, and is not directly related to amount of water you drink.

If we could apply water topically, it would not help much either. Skin does feel soft and moisturized right after a bath: it happens because horny layer (the outermost skin layer), which is formed by dead skin cells, absorbs water. During a bath up to 2 oz. of water can be absorbed by skin. But this water is not allowed any deeper than surface cells. Later, within 10 minutes, all this water evaporates, leaving skin dry again.