Final answer:
The summary of 'In a Culture of Sunbathers, Tips For Shielding the Skin' discusses how excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer, and emphasizes the use of sunscreens to protect the skin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The article "In a Culture of Sunbathers, Tips For Shielding the Skin" by Jane E. Brody emphasizes the importance of protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. The article suggests that while many people enjoy sunbathing, especially during summer activities such as going to the beach, it is crucial to use sunscreens to protect against both immediate and long-term skin damage, including the risk of skin cancer. UV B rays, with wavelengths of 280-320 nm, are particularly damaging, and excessive exposure to them through sunlight or tanning beds is the leading cause of skin cancer. Furthermore, signs such as photo-aging and sunburns are indicative of skin damage, and having even just a few serious sunburns can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
The article also debunks the myth of tanning beds being a safe alternative to the sun, as they too emit UV radiation. Additionally, it explains the chemistry behind sunscreens and how they work to protect the skin. The page from which the information is derived is authored by Suzanne Wakim & Mandeep Grewal and shared under a CK-12 license, edited to the style of the Libre Texts platform.