A model of Scentual Sun demonstrates the differences between clear skin and a sun tan. The left side of the model was airbrush tanned, while the right side was left intact. Image courtesy of [Scentual Sun (http://www.airbrush-tanning.us)].
Sun tanning is the darkening of the skin, especially of fair-skinned individuals, in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunshine (or a sunbed).
The darkening of the skin is caused by an increased release of the pigment melanin into the skin's cells. This pigment is produced by cells called melanocytes, and protects the body by absorbing harmful solar radiation.
A suntan has often been seen as attractive, though this is variable and susceptible to the whims of fashion. The wish of some to look well-tanned, combined with the modern concern about overexposure to the sun, (which has been linked to melanoma) has led to the production of products that give the appearance of a suntan without any exposure to the sun. (See fake tan.)
A study by a Dr. Anthony Liguori and others, published in the July 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Part 1, suggests that indoor sun tanning may be addictive. The UV content of the sun's rays stimulate the production of endorphins, resulting in a natural "high".
Read the abstract, Ultraviolet exposure is a reinforcing stimulus in frequent indoor tanners (http://www.eblue.org/scripts/om.dll/serve?action=searchDB&searchDBfor=art&artType=abs&id=as0190962204005559&nav=abs&special=hilite&query=%5Babstract%5D%28tanning%2C%29%5Bbody%5D%28tanning%2C%29%5Barticletitle%5D%28tanning%2C%29%5Bcontribs%5D%28tanning%2C%29)
A tan is your body's way of creating is own natural SPF (sun protection factor.) Over thousands of years, those closer to the equator needed more protection from the intensity of the sun and thus evolved to continuously produce melanin resulting in darker skin.
Indoor tanning is cooler than sitting in the "blistering" sun, as well as far more likely to limit sunburn due to the emphasis on education and moderated exposure.
After tanning, dark colored loose fitting clothes are best since it is possible that those areas that were not given enough time to completely dry or be absorbed may smear onto clothes and potentially stain, especially in fabrics like silk.
Suntanning describes a darkening of the skin (especially of fair-skinned individuals) in a natural physiological response stimulated by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunshine (or a sunbed).
In Europe, during much of the 18th and 19th centuries, fair, freckleless skin was considered attractive, especially in women, since tannedskin was associated with manual labour such as on a farm or in the outdoor employ of a wealthier person.
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