Are UVA rays good for making vitamin D for bones?
The skin needs ultraviolet radiation to metabolize the vitamin D that circulates in the blood and transform it into an active form that can perform its biological functions in the body, mainly helping the internal absorption of calcium and the attachment of calcium to the bones. This is why we have the popular concept that “sunbathing is good for the bones”.
Now, what type of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is necessary for it to facilitate the synthesis of vitamin D? This biological action can only be carried out by type B (UVB) UV radiation, which is present in solar radiation, and does not exist in medical or aesthetic UVA lamps. UVA radiation has no role in the transformation of vitamin D, so it does not provide any benefit in calcium metabolism for bones.
“UVA rays do not influence vitamin D synthesis, so the use of tanning lamps has no health benefit”
In fact, UVA rays do not have any beneficial effect on the skin, beyond the well-being that one may feel when tanning:
– Promotes genetic mutations of epidermal cells.
– Reduces the effectiveness of the skin’s immune system .
– The sum of the first two points favors skin cancer in all its forms (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma).
– Accelerates the natural ageing of the skin: it increases skin laxity and sagging, increases wrinkles, skin atrophy, favours the appearance of vascular lesions and lentigines (sun spots).
In conclusion, taking UVA rays does not have any positive effect on health, beyond aesthetics. This is at the same time temporary and in a medium period the aesthetic consequences are also negative since it accelerates skin aging.
Therefore, it is totally discouraged to use ultraviolet radiation in its artificial form. If you want more information about vitamin D and UVA rays , you can consult here.