What is a tan?
A tan is the darkening of the outermost layer of skin (epidermal) from exposure to the sun or comparable ultraviolet (UV) light, which causes melanocytes to increase their production of melanin to the skin. When stimulated by the shorter waves of UVB light, the melanocytes produce melanin. The melanin then moves up through the epidermis and is absorbed by other skin cells. When exposed to the longer waves of UVA light, the melanin oxidized or darkens, producing a tan. In short, UVB synthesizes pigment, while UVA ensures their oxidation. Together, the two create a tan. The more melanin production, the darker the skin.
Skin cells make a pigment called melanin. Melanin gives skin its natural colour. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation triggers the skin to make more melanin, which causes the skin to darken or ‘tan’. A tan is a sign that the skin is getting UV radiation damage. It is not a sign of good health.
