The Short Answer
It has often been misused as a way to define and label differences between people, but is merely an adaptation of the skin, resultant from defence against sunlight.
How and Why
Skin colour comes from pigments in the skin called ‘melanin,’ and the amount and kind of this pigment. Melanin is not exclusive to humans, as it is found largely in both the animal and plant kingdoms. The melanin is activated by sunlight and its ultraviolet rays to protect the body’s DNA from mutations that the light would otherwise cause. It’s no surprise that people indigenous to areas that are constantly sunny are quite dark in skin, and those in areas subject to receiving lots of rain, snow, or generally mild conditions are lighter in skin colour. In fact, human skin can be nearly colourless, only to be seen as pinkish to the eye because of blood beneath it.
Recent scientific discoveries have led to the theory of all human life beginning in Africa, and over time, people have lost their need for high melanin levels and have, in turn, become lighter. This would make sense, provided the fading of and getting a tan as an example of how our skin works and millions of people travelling and settling in different places over the course of thousands of years.
To make judgements based on this adaptation is strictly sophomoric. The only difference between people of darker skin and lighter is that people with lighter skin have ten times the chance to die of skin cancers, and also considering that sunlight stimulates the production of Vitamin D from the liver, darker skinned people are susceptible Vitamin D deficiency.
Tanning and Sunburn
Most people associate tanning with its aesthetics. As goes with the body defending itself, laying out in the sun to darken your skin results in the release of more melanin into the skin. Of course, our body’s defences are not perfect, and too much exposure can result in sunburn, which in mild cases is characterised by a simple redness and soreness. In extreme cases, sunburn can require hospitalisation. In fact, most dangerously, aside from cancer risks, sunburn dehydrates the body, and it has been said before that the average person (at least in the US) is not hydrated properly most of the time. Combined with alcohol, a day in the sun can truly tax the body.
With summer on its way, keep in mind that there are many ways to protect yourself against sunburn. Noting the various levels of SPF-loving lotions, visors, hats, wrap-around sunglasses, and covered areas in public parks, it seems that only with negligence or lack of planning that the affliction can surface. Of course, the best protection against the sun, other than staying out of it on high UV level days, is to cover yourself.
Undoing the Damage
Should you get a rash of sunburn, there are some suggested remedies. First and foremost, stay out of the sun until the burn heals. Popular lotions contain aloe and Vitamin E (said to reduce scaring and aid in healing the skin), but keep in mind that lotion should not be used on open blisters. Immediate relief can come from placing a cold wet cloth on the affected area, or by taking a cold bath. Men’s Health Magazine (May 2007) recommends using a clean washcloth soaked in cool milk applied as a cold compress, stating that the lactic acid will aid in the reduction of swelling and the coolness will keep the pain away. They also recommended taking Aleve or Advil for swelling. Keeping hydrated is key, and eating high protein foods will help your body repair the skin. Avoid scratching the skin even if itching occurs, as your skin is tender and scarring can occur in addition to more intense pain. Should any blisters surface, leave them intact to quicken the healing time.
If the case is severe, consult your local medical facility.
