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How A Sun Tanner Functions

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 achieved by involvement in sun bathing whereas casual unintentional exposure to sun rays may have adverse effects as well as some benefits. Benefits consist of synthesis of vitamin D under the skin. Excessive exposure causes possible skin cancer, sunburns, possible early aging, and depressed immune system function. Sunscreens are made use of to prevent sunburns on parts of skin open to sun tanner equipment or the natural sun. The tanning procedure may also be accelerated by certain oils.

Tanning process varies among individuals, with some people changing skin color more easily and fast than others. This is due to differences in natural skin color and skin type. These two factors are a result of genetics.



Cells referred to as melanocytes, which are located in the deepest film of the skin secrete melanin. This process is called melanogenesis. Melanocytes create 2 forms of melanin, eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is dark brown in color whereas pheomelanin is red. Melanin functions to protect interior body organs through absorption of destructive solar energy. Destructive solar beams cause both indirect and direct damage to strings of DNA. This damage needs to be rectified by the body quickly through secretion of more melanin.

With increased secretion of melanin, skin color becomes darker, although the UV-B might cause sunburn. This tanning effect can also be attained by use of artificial UV tanners. The artificial sun tanner delivers either UV-B, UV-A, or both. Creation of a tan by exposure to UV occurs through two different mechanisms. To begin with, UV-A beams create oxidative stress, which in turn oxidizes the already available melanin. Once oxidized, melanin turns it color 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 costly equipment relying on the model one needs to purchase. The difference might not be so great since they all produce the same effect and achieve same results. Always compare costs prior to making a purchase. A sun tanner may be made into different sizes, shapes, and designs.




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