Why Does Your Skin Tan in the Sun? The Science of Melanin ππ§¬
Tanning is a natural response by your skin when exposed to sunlight, and it all comes down to a pigment called melanin. Let’s dive into the science behind why and how your skin tans in the sun. What is Melanin? π¨ Melanin is a pigment produced by cells in your skin called melanocytes . It’s responsible for the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. There are two main types of melanin: Eumelanin : Brown and black pigments. Pheomelanin : Red and yellow pigments. The amount and type of melanin you have determine how light or dark your skin is naturally. However, melanin has a much more important role than just providing color—it acts as a defense mechanism against UV radiation . How Does Melanin Protect the Skin? π‘️ When you’re exposed to sunlight, your skin absorbs ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV radiation can cause damage to your skin cells and even lead to DNA mutations, increasing the risk of skin cancer. To protect itself, your body signals the melanocytes to produce mo...