UVA radiation is what makes people tan. UVA rays penetrate to the lower layers of the epidermis, where they trigger cells called melanocytes (pronounced: mel-AN-oh-sites) to produce melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment that causes tanning. Melanin is the body's way of protecting skin from burning.
However, when exposed to sunlight, your skin can increase melanin production, causing it to tan more easily. Sun Exposure: If you spend time in the sun, even with lighter skin, your body can react by producing more melanin to protect itself from UV damage, resulting in a tan.
Your skin begins to darken in an attempt to block out harmful rays and prevent further injury. Deeper tan color is produced by darkening of existing pigment and by a limited increase in pigment formation. The skin cells that produce this pigment are called melanocytes. The pigment that is produced is called melanin.
So, the longer your skin is threatened by UV, the deeper your tan because more and more melanin is being produced by your body to protect itself. Ultimately, more pigment is building up the longer you stay exposed.
Light-skinned individuals start to tan in as little as 15 minutes but also risk burning in under 20 minutes if unprotected. People with darker skin begin tanning in 20–30 minutes because of their natural melanin defenses, but still face risks after prolonged exposure.
Is 30 minutes a day enough to tan? It depends on your skin type. Those with fair skin likely need a bit longer, while people with darker skin may only require 15-20 minutes daily. Start slow and gently build UV skin tolerance over multiple sessions for the best color development.
This happens because “Each of us produces a different quantity and quality of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by our cells found in the basal layer of the skin,” explains Dr Puig.
The positive effect of a tan could be attributed to the fact that it provides a uniform light reflection with a continuous blend of light and shadow, in contrast to pale skin that is commonly associated with pigmentation differences and sharp shadows.
Some people have a perfect tanning gene, while others may never get the tan they want no matter how hard they try. Whether your skin tans or burns after sun exposure depends on your level of melanin pigmentation (shown by how dark your skin is or can get).
UVA rays penetrate to the lower layers of the epidermis, where they trigger cells called melanocytes (pronounced: mel-AN-oh-sites) to produce melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment that causes tanning. Melanin is the body's way of protecting skin from burning.
The Bottom Line: Evidence suggests that tanning greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. And, contrary to popular belief, getting a tan will not protect your skin from sunburn or other skin damage.
If you're wondering how to make tan color, grab these paints and start mixing: white, brown, yellow, and red. Mix a large amount of white paint with a small amount of brown thoroughly and compare it to the shade you're aiming for.
Type IV – Brown skin color, brown hair, and brown eyes, tans more than average, rarely burns, and rarely freckles. Common ethnic background: the Mediterranean, Southern European, Hispanic.
You don't necessarily tan faster in water or laying out. This is because water reflects UV rays, so you may not be getting as much exposure as you think if you're actually in the pool.
Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.
Average skin colors are seen as most attractive. Typically, tan is the average skin color, making it very attractive to most people. However, the most attractive skin color varies on preference, culture, and sex. A healthy skin complexion and rosy “glow” is always considered attractive.
So how does a tan make you look thinner? Not only does it cover any signs of cellulite or skin creases, but it also gives definition to areas that usually look slightly less defined.
Is sun tan permanent? No. Sun tans are not permanent since the skin goes through natural exfoliation. However, this can take time and does not help the other forms of sun damage, which may be more permanent.
The best known of all is certainly beta-carotene. It is the precursor of vitamin A that stimulates the production of melanin and that helps minimize the aggressive action of sunlight on the skin.
Skin Types
People with skin type III, have sensitive skin. Their skin may sometimes burn and tan to a light bronze, but their risk for skin cancer remains higher than average. Skin Type III individuals are also susceptible to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
For the longest time it was believed that people with fair skin and red hair were only capable of turning tomato red under sun. According to ScienceDaily, however, there is a new study that shows fairer complexions are just as capable of tanning as their olive counterparts.