What is tanning?
Tanning is the darkening of the skin's color, and it occurs as a natural response to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Here is how it happens:
1. UV Exposure:
Tanning can result from exposure to UV radiation from two primary sources:
- Sunlight: When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it contains both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays primarily affect the outer layers of the skin, while UVA rays penetrate deeper. Both types of rays trigger the tanning process.
-Tanning Beds: These devices emit artificial UV radiation, specifically designed to induce tanning.
2. Melanin Production:
The skin's response to UV exposure involves the activation of melanocytes, which are special cells in the skin that produce melanin. Melanin is a pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color.
3. Melanin Darkening:
The melanin produced is then transferred to the surrounding skin cells, primarily the keratinocytes, which form the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). This pigment absorbs and scatters UV radiation, protecting the DNA in skin cells from damage caused by excessive UV exposure.
4. Skin Darkening:
As melanin accumulates in the skin cells, it leads to the skin's darkening or bronzing, resulting in a tan. This process is your body's way of trying to protect your skin from further UV damage.
