Thursday, October 10, 2013

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 differ among people. Some people change skin color quickly and with a lot of ease while others take long. This is caused by differences in types of skin and natural skin color among people. These two aspects are influenced by 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 generation of melanin, skin tone becomes darker, though the UV-B component might cause some sunburn effect. The tanning effect is also attainable using artificial UV tanners. A sun tanner delivers either UVB, UVA, or both. Formation of tans by exposure to ultraviolet happens by two different processes. To begin with, UVA beams create oxidative stress that in turn causes oxidation of the already existing melanin. Once oxidized, the color of melanin turns 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 applied to produce artificial UV beams is casket-shaped. People lie in the sun tanner and ultraviolet rays are radiated on all over their bodies. There is a specified period that one can last inside the sun tanner. Beyond that period, the radiation becomes extremely destructive. The sun tanner contains a lead, on which sources of radiation are fixed.

A sun tanner is a pricey device depending on the version one needs to obtain. The difference might however not be so significant since they all attain same effects and results. One should always compare costs among producers before purchasing one. A Sun tanner can be made in various designs and sizes.




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