What is Tanning?
Tanning is the process of melanin (skin pigment) increase caused by exposure to sunlight. This is the body’s natural way of shielding the skin from sun damage.
Areas Prone To Tan
- Face
- Arms
- Hands
- Legs
- Feet
- Back
- Neck
2. Causes of Tan
The solar spectrum (sunlight) consists of UV (ultraviolet) rays at three wavelengths –
- UV A
- UV B
- UV C
When UVA rays penetrate the layers of the skin, they signal the melanocytes (skin’s cells) to produce excess melanin (skin-darkening pigment), which further darkens due to oxidation and causes tanning.[1]
