What is tanning and how does it occur?

The process of tanning takes place in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. There are 5 million special cells known as melanocytes present in the epidermis. Exposure to UVB radiation from the sun enables melanocytes to produce melanin, the pigment that determines the colour of the skin. Melanin is absorbed by other cells on the surface of the skin. When melanin is exposed to UVA radiation, it oxidizes and darkens the skin, which acts as a barrier against excessive UV exposure. The amount of melanin produced by the melanocytes is determined by heredity. For instance, Caucasian skin has low levels of melanin and is therefore much paler than Hispanic or African skin.

What is sunless tanning?

Tanning can take place naturally by spending long hours in the sun or can be induced by artificial means such as lotions, sprays, pills, tanning beds or lamps. Also known as fake tanning, self tanning or UV-free tanning, mimics the appearance and effects of the traditional suntan. Sunless tanning methods were developed as a response to concerns about excessive sun exposure being a major cause of skin cancer and sunburn. There are a number of sunless tanning methods that tan the skin in every shade of brown. Sunless tanning is a safe, quick and convenient way of getting a UV-free tan.

How do tanning beds work?

Tanning beds as well as tanning booths work the same way the sun does. Both use UVB as well as UVC rays to work their effects but avoid UVA rays, as they are considered to be harmful for the skin. A tan produced by a tanning bed is as deep as one produced by exposure to the sun on a typical day in summer. Tanning beds require shorter exposure times because of the nearness of the source of UV. Regular sessions on a tanning bed often work better for people with extremely fair skin. The results of tanning beds are visible in a couple of weeks. There are a number of professional tanning salons that help in acquiring an evenly bronzed look. Or one can buy a personal home tanning bed, but this is a more expensive option. Excessive tanning indoors as well as outdoors is to be avoided as it can lead to over-exposure and sunburn. It can also make a person vulnerable to skin cancer. However, no scientific evidence is available to prove that the adverse effects of excessive use of tanning beds are worse than those of over-exposure to the sun.

Are tanning lotions effective?

Unlike sun block, tanning lotions are meant to intensify the effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is done by using ingredients that encourage melanin production or by promoting the levels of melanin in the epidermis. A large number of tanning lotions are based on the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and contain other ingredients including melanin, tea tree oil, L-tyrosine, green tea extract and natural oils. Tanning lotions work somewhat differently from other methods of sunless tanning. They are most often designed to stimulate the process of tanning. Tanning lotion is an inexpensive method of sunless tanning available today and is quick and convenient to use.

Why are tan sprays so popular?

It is now possible to spray on a tan in special tanning booths or by using a hand-held piece of equipment that resembles an airbrush. A spray tan not only spurs the process of tanning, it also helps in avoiding exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation. The effects of spray tan are short-lived and can be washed off with soap and water. Spray tanning is popular because it doesn’t cost much and is extremely convenient to use.

How do tanning pills work?

Canthaxanthin, a key ingredient in tanning pills, is a chemical that is found in a number of animals and plants. However, just like carotene, it can tint the skin brownish-orange if taken in excessive amounts. The colour alteration lasts as long as the pills are taken. Tanning pills are based on the principle of ingesting chemicals that alter the natural pigmentation of the skin. These pills belong to 2 categories. The first category of pills relies on UV exposure to boost melanin production, while the second does not.

In conclusion

Regardless of the product used, sunless tanning methods work faster than traditional sun bathing and are generally deemed to be safer. The composition, ingredients and method of application of each product is different and needs to be understood thoroughly before use. As in everything, moderation is the key to a healthy tanning experience.