Monday, December 8, 2008

How Does One Get Tan?

So how does one get a tan? The sun contains two types of ultraviolet radiation that connects with the skin. They are called UVA and UVB rays. UVB radiation burns the upper layers of skin causing sunburns. UVA radiation is what makes one tan. UVA rays reach the lower layers of the epidermis where melanocytes cells produce melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment that causes ones skin to tan. Melanin is what protects the skin from burning. Darker skinned people tan more deeply than lighter skinned people because they produce more melanin. Even though one does not burn, it does not mean one is protected

No comments: