Your body’s natural ability to change color and tan is nothing more than a biological defense mechanism to protect your skin against the sunlight’s (or tanning lamps) ultraviolet radiation. When our skin darkens from sun exposure, it’s attempting to reduce the amount of UV penetration into our skin cells. This helps prevent sun burn, skin cancer, RNA damage, DNA damage, and more.
Although our skin has this built-in defense system against UV radiation, it is strongly encouraged to use tanning products, moisturizers, and skin care treatments after tanning to further protect your skin against ultraviolet damage. Continue reading to learn the process in which skin tans, and what makes our bodies lose our tan after some time.
Melanocytes and Melanin
Your body goes through a process called melanogenesis to darken the skin. During melanogenesis, cells called melanocytes produce a pigment called melanin, which makes the skin change color under UV exposure. These specialized cells make two different kinds of melanin: pheomelanin and eumelanin. Pheomelanin renders the skin red, such as a sun burn, whereas eumelanin renders the skin a dark brown color. These pigments protect your skin by absorbing UV solar radiation upon exposure. It is also the body’s means to repair any skin damage that has already taken place. The darker you get, the more your body is trying to repair and protect your skin.
Fading Tans
Melanogenesis is not a process that shows immediate results. Generally, the skin will turn pink or red during initial exposure, and then change to a darker tan or brown color several hours later. The more sun exposure, the more melanin your body will continue to produce in order to repair and protect your skin. This is why we often look darker one or two days after enjoying the sun (or tanning bed). But once sun exposure begins to die down, your growing skin cells push the darkened skin upward, and your tan begins to fade as dead skin is exfoliated more and more.
Safe Tanning
It is important to learn the proper tanning course for your skin type before hitting the sun too hard. There are several tanning lotions, moisturizers, and skin care products that not only enhance and extend your tan, but also enrich and protect your skin year-round. Talk to your local tanning consultant for customized tanning advice for your unique skin tone and type.
Broad Ripple Tans
Call Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 for high-quality affordable indoor tanning in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our neighborhood tanning salon is conveniently located right near Broad Ripple Village, and our tanning consultants are standing by to customize the perfect tanning course for you! We offer a wide range of tanning beds, air brush spray tan services, tanning products, and more, all at the most competitive prices in town. We are happy to provide professional tanning advice and information about our services, anytime! Just call 317-257-8262 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable tanning consultant about Broad Ripple tanning, today!
