How A Sun Tanner Works

By Haywood Hunter


A sun tanner refers to a product or a device utilized to darken or to tan the skin color. This process is because of exposure to UV beams from the sun and/or artificial sources. The major artificial devices used to produce ultraviolet radiation are tanning beds. This effect could also result from chemical products, windburn, or reflected light.



Deliberate tanning is done by engagement in sun bathing while casual unintended exposure to sun beams may have unfavorable effects along some benefits. Benefits include synthesis of vitamin D by the skin. Excess exposure causes sunburns, possible skin cancer, depressed immune system function, and possible early aging. Sunscreens are applied to avoid sunburns on the parts of skin exposed to sun or sun tanner equipment. The tanning process can also be accelerated by using certain oils.

Tanning process differ among people. Some people change skin color quickly and with a lot of ease while others take long. This is caused by differences in types of skin and natural skin color among people. These two aspects are influenced by genetics.



Cells called melanocytes, which lie in the deepest layer of the skin produce melanin. This process is known as melanogenesis. Melanocytes create two forms of melanin, that is eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin has a dark brown color while pheomelanin is red. The work of melanin is protecting internal body organs through absorption of solar energy. Solar beams cause indirect or direct damage to DNA, which needs to be corrected by the body system through secretion of melanin.

With increased generation of melanin, skin tone becomes darker, though the UV-B component might cause some sunburn effect. The tanning effect is also attainable using artificial UV tanners. A sun tanner delivers either UVB, UVA, or both. Formation of tans by exposure to ultraviolet happens by two different processes. To begin with, UVA beams create oxidative stress that in turn causes oxidation of the already existing melanin. Once oxidized, the color of melanin turns to dark brown.

The beams from a sun tanner may also redistribute melanin from its storage place, but its original quantity remains unchanged. The second process is triggered chiefly by UV-B radiation. There is an increase in the rate of melanogenesis leading to increased generation of melanin. This entire reaction results from direct photodamage by radiation. Melanogenesis delays the tanning process and is visible after a period of 72 hours after exposure. The tan produced by increased melanogenesis lasts longer than that due to oxidation. It is more protective against skin damage than UV-A beams which do simple cosmetic function.

The sun tanner used to generate artificial ultraviolet radiation is shaped like a casket. A person lies inside the sun tanner and beams of light are radiated on their body. There is a given period of time that one needs to last inside the sun tanner. Beyond that time, the rays become excessively harmful. The sun tanner has a lead, on which the lights are placed.

A sun tanner is a pricey device depending on the version one needs to obtain. The difference might however not be so significant since they all attain same effects and results. One should always compare costs among producers before purchasing one. A Sun tanner can be made in various designs and sizes.




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