How Skin Tans

How Skin Tans with London Tanning

Our skin, as the largest and most obvious of our organs, is both resilient and highly susceptible to damage. Of course, the potential for damage is dependent on the individual, their level of skin and their skin type. Some individuals react differently to UV rays generated by the sun or by tanning beds – tanning while others burn. There are several factors that make the difference between a sun tan and sun burn.

Cross Section of Skin Showing the Effect of UVA & UVB - London Tanning

A sun tan is actually a complex chemical reaction that takes place within the body resulting from exposure to UV rays – specifically UVA rays. The ultraviolet light found in sunlight (or the artificial light created by a tanning bed) prompts the creation of additional melanin by the melanocytes. While many may consider a proper suntan a mere fashion statement, this distinct coloration has a very practical application. Melanin helps protect the inner layers of your skin (those most susceptible to the sun’s rays) from damage. This reaction is perpetrated by the pituitary gland, which produces melanocyte-stimulating hormones (known as MSH).

This reaction is most noticeable in Caucasians, as those ethnicities with darker skin have naturally high levels of melanin and a stronger resistance to sun damage. Some individuals – typically redheads and others with fair skin – produce a higher level of red and yellow melanin (versus the brown found in other skin types), which is less resistant to UV damage.

When melanin can’t protect the skin fully enough, damage in the form of sunburn can take place. A sun burn is caused by over exposure to UVB rays. UVB rays are stronger than UVA, and can result in damage such as wrinkles, premature aging and skin cancer as well as sunburn. Sunburn is actually a simplified term for a delayed swelling of the dermis brought on by overexposure to UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed. The redness and sensitivity associated with sunburn is due to the increased blood flow being routed to the affected area in an attempt repair the damage caused by the ultraviolet radiation.

One of the best ways to help prevent the suffering of painful sunburn is to build up a solid base tan. This may be more of a challenge in areas where exposure to the sun isn’t guaranteed. Individuals in a tropical clime tend to keep a tan year-round, while denizens of locales such as London may have a harder time building up the necessary resistance to the sun. In London, tanning at a salon can be a viable alternative when spending time under the sun can be hard to manage.

London Tanning Tip - Build Up a Solid Base Tan

While it is more likely that fair-skinned individuals will suffer from a sunburn, it is possible for any race or skin-type to see some damage. This can be prevented by several means. If you are unable to build up a protective tan, the use of a reliable sunscreen can block damaging UV rays. Wearing protective clothing and limiting the exposure of unprotected skin can also help prevent sunburn, as well as other types of skin damage such as wrinkles and cancer.