How A Sun Tanner Functions

By Haywood Hunter


A sun tanner is a device or a product utilized to tan or to darken the skin color. The process is normally as a consequence of exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or artificial sources. Tanning beds are the major artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation used. This effect can also result from reflected light, chemical products, or windburn.



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 production of melanin, the color of the skin darkens, even though the UV-B may cause sunburn effect. This tanning effect may also be achieved using artificial ultraviolet sun tanners. The artificial sun tanner equipment delivers UV-A, UV-B, or both. Production of a tan through exposure to UV happens in two different ways. To start with, UV-A rays create oxidative stress that oxidizes the already present melanin in turn. Once oxidized, the melanin turns dark brown in color.

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 utilized to produce artificial ultraviolet radiation beam is casket-shaped. One lies in the sun tanner and ultraviolet beams are showered on their entire body. There is a set period that one has to last in a sun tanner. Beyond that period, the radiation becomes excessively destructive. The sun tanner contains a lead, on which the sources of rays are placed.

A sun tanner is an expensive equipment depending on the make one needs to buy. The difference may not be so pronounced because they all have the same effects and achieve the same results. Always compare prices before making a purchase. A sun tanner could be made into several different designs, shapes, and sizes.




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