According to newest reports, scientists have made a new drug which is able to give a tanned complexion without having to sunbathe. This is excellent news if we take into consideration that one person in the U.S. dies of melanoma every hour whereas 86 percent of melanoma cases are caused by exposure to UV rays. However, this does not prevent people from spending long hours under the sun in order to get the desired tan.
A Significant Breakthrough
Researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital created a medicine which is able to trigger the melanin production. This is the natural defense mechanism of the skin from the UV rays which darkens in order to keep it safe. Interestingly, this is not a fake, sprayed, or painted tan, but a genuine one.
When it comes to fake tans, they may look good and are a safe option; however, they do not keep you safe from the sunrays. Namely, tests taken during the study showed that the melanin produced with the help of this medicine was able to protect from the harmful rays. The team is hoping that their breakthrough will be able to minimize the adverse effects of UV radiation ranging from premature aging and liver spots to skin cancer.
How Does the Medicine Work?
When we are exposed to UV rays, our skin begins to protect itself from harm by starting a chemical reaction characterized by a production of melanin, a pigment which gives dark coloring to the eyes, hair, and skin. This is why people who live in warmer climates usually have darker hair and skin.
The medication is applied onto the skin in order to begin the production of melanin. The results also point out that this could also work in redheads who have a naturally pale skin which is unable to make melanin due to a genetic mutation.
What about Indoor Tanning?
Sadly, on a yearly basis, more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. are associated with this method of tanning. Tanning beds are known to elevate the chance of melanoma up to 34 percent in those who have used tan beds more than 10 times than in those who have never used them.
According to newest reports, scientists have made a new drug which is able to give a tanned complexion without having to sunbathe. This is excellent news if we take into consideration that one person in the U.S. dies of melanoma every hour whereas 86 percent of melanoma cases are caused by exposure to UV rays. However, this does not prevent people from spending long hours under the sun in order to get the desired tan.
A Significant Breakthrough
Researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital created a medicine which is able to trigger the melanin production. This is the natural defense mechanism of the skin from the UV rays which darkens in order to keep it safe. Interestingly, this is not a fake, sprayed, or painted tan, but a genuine one.
When it comes to fake tans, they may look good and are a safe option; however, they do not keep you safe from the sunrays. Namely, tests taken during the study showed that the melanin produced with the help of this medicine was able to protect from the harmful rays. The team is hoping that their breakthrough will be able to minimize the adverse effects of UV radiation ranging from premature aging and liver spots to skin cancer.
How Does the Medicine Work?
When we are exposed to UV rays, our skin begins to protect itself from harm by starting a chemical reaction characterized by a production of melanin, a pigment which gives dark coloring to the eyes, hair, and skin. This is why people who live in warmer climates usually have darker hair and skin.
The medication is applied onto the skin in order to begin the production of melanin. The results also point out that this could also work in redheads who have a naturally pale skin which is unable to make melanin due to a genetic mutation.
What about Indoor Tanning?
Sadly, on a yearly basis, more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. are associated with this method of tanning. Tanning beds are known to elevate the chance of melanoma up to 34 percent in those who have used tan beds more than 10 times than in those who have never used them.