SunSpot Doncaster _ How the Skin Tans

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How The Skin Tans

Our natural skin colour is determined by skin pigment – melanin – and the presence and amount of melanin in an individual is determined by hereditary factors.

When our skin is exposed to UV, cells deep in our skin – called melanocytes – initiate a process where more melanin is produced. This subsequently ‘browns’ as it rises to the skin’s surface producing a tan. UV also causes the outer layer of the skin to thicken. This is the body’s way of building up protection to UV and to avoid burning.

People will react differently to UV rays – darker skinned people produce melanin more readily. The skin of some very fair people contains very little melanin and, even when exposed to UV, they cannot form melanin, so they will not tan in sunlight or on a sunbed.

If the natural tanning process is rushed, sunburn will result. Our skin has a natural repair mechanism but if this is triggered off too frequently, it may become exhausted and result in permanent damage to the skin.

Why Redder Isn't Better

Many people grow up thinking that if they do not experience a slight red or pinkish tint after they tan that they did not "get anything." The truth is that the red or pinkish tint you see is actually sunburn (or erythema) -- your skin's worst enemy. The fact is that the sunburns we experience due to lack of information when we are growing up are the very things that lead to skin damage later in life.

Smart tanners know that the key to avoiding sunburn in moderation in terms of UV exposure. The best way to ensure a "smart tan" is to take advantage of the years of research that have gone into tanning equipment to provide you with a controlled, predictable dosage of UV light. Also, use lotions to moisturize your skin before and after tanning. If you do tan outdoors, remember that the sun emits whatever types of UV rays it wants. Several other environmental factors come into play with outdoor UV light, making exposure unpredictable.

Do not rely on the color of your skin to tell you when to get out of the sun. Overexposure isn't evident sometimes until hours after the sun has gone down. It's better to use a sunscreen and to wear protective clothing than to risk overexposure, which can lead to skin damage.

Sunspot Tanning Salons

Station Road

Epworth

Doncaster

DN9 1JU

Tel: 01427 875380