The Functioning Of A Sun Tanner

By Haywood Hunter


A sun tanner is an equipment or a product used to make the skin color darker or tanned. The process is usually as a result of exposure to UV radiation from artificial sources or from the sun. Tanning beds are the main artificial sources of UV radiation utilized. This effect may also result from windburn, reflected light, or chemical products.



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 differs among people, with some changing skin color fast and more easily than others. This results from differences in skin type and natural skin color. These 2 factors are a matter of 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 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 radiation form the sun tanner also redistributes melanin from its place of storage, but its original amount remains constant. The second procedure is triggered primarily by UV-B beams. There is an increased rate of melanogenesis resulting in more melanin. This whole reaction is due to direct photodamage by UV radiation. Melanogenesis holds up the tanning process, which becomes visible after 72 hours after the initial exposure. The tan generated by increased rate of melanogenesis is more durable than that due to oxidation reaction. It protects against skin damages more than simple cosmetic function like in UV-A beams.

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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