Why does the sun make you tan?

Answer 1

Rough translation of what the Encyclopedia Britannica has to say:

"Living among the cells in one of the layers of skin is another type of cell called a melanocyte. Melanocytes produce melanin, which is a pigment that is the source of tanning. The melanocytes are actually where a tan comes from.

The numbers of cells is roughly the same in the blondest whites as the darkest blacks. Color differences are due solely to the amount of melanin produced and the nature of the pigment granules. When skin becomes tanned on exposure to sunlight, the melanocytes do not increase in number, only in activity.

Not only do the melanocytes produce a tan, they are also responsible for the form of cancer called melanoma. Melanoma is caused by UV radiation damage to melanocyte. Repeated exposure to UV can cause cancerous mutations."

In other words, it really is not in our best interest to seek a tan. The tanning is damage to the cells (we all know that). In the past, our main protection from UV rays was the Ozone layer of the atmosphere. But as typical of human beings, we do things to excess, and in a round about way, have decreased the Ozone Layer.

Best advice: Stay out of the sun. If you have to go out to swim or just walk around in the sun, be sure to use plenty of sun block lotion. We cannot count on the ozone layer any longer.

Melanoma, incidently is always malignant and at this point in time, is incurable. Not a happy thought, is it?

Answer 2

If you have melanin in your skin the more pigmentation you have the darker your skin will get and faster your skin will tan, the suns rays penetrate the skin, and tan it quicker if you have melanin in your skin.... the rays are harmful which cause premature aging you must always protect the skin regardless.

Answer 3

The rays actually damages your skin, and in turn, your skin creates more melanin to protect itself. But after a while, your tan will fade because of less UV rays.

Answer 4

Because it increases the number of melanin (skin pigmentation/what gives your skin color so if you are really white, you have less than an african america for example) in your skin as it is trying to protect your body from the harmful rays of the sun

Answer 5

Its a slight case of skin damage that gives you more color..thats why some people get freckles and some get tan,it just depends on your skin.

Answer 6

i believe people are actually being 'cooked' while out in the bright sun, at least our outer layer.

Answer 7

rays..shinin light on skin makes darker.. i dunno look on google or yahoo..they give the best answers!