When we go outside, we expose ourselves to the most common carcinogen of all: ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. Most of us know we should apply sunscreen to protect our skin, but some of us forget and suffer a flaky, irritated sunburn in return.
In this video, produced by the American Chemical Society’s Reactions team, take a look at how UV rays affect your body and your built-in chemical defence systems that try to stop any potential damage.
(Still, if you can help it, it’s better to stay out of the sun, or wear long, flowing clothes, pop on a hat and slather on that sunscreen!)
Originally published by Cosmos as How does tanned skin protect against UV rays?
Cosmos
Curated content from the editorial staff at Cosmos Magazine.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
