Sun tanning
Sun tanning
Sun tanning or simply tanning is the process by which skin color is darkened or tanned. It is most often a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or from artificial sources, such as a tanning lamp found in indoor tanning beds.
Pronunciation: /sʌn ˈtænɪŋ/
Etymology: The term "sun tanning" derives from the sun, which is the source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and the process of tanning, which refers to the darkening of the skin.
Process
People who deliberately tan their skin by exposure to the sun engage in a process called Sunbathing. Some people use chemical products which can produce a tanning effect without exposure to ultraviolet radiation, known as Sunless tanning.
Health effects
Moderate exposure to the sun contributes to the production of Melanin and Vitamin D by the body, but excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays has detrimental health effects, including Sunburn and increased risk of skin cancer, as well as depressed immune system function and accelerated aging of the skin. Some people tan or sunburn more easily than others. This may be the result of different skin types and natural skin color, and these may be a result of genetics.
Cultural history
The term "sun tanning" has been used since the early 20th century, when it became fashionable among Western societies to have a tan skin. This was a reversal of the social norm at the time, where a tan was associated with the lower class, who worked outdoors, and a pale skin was associated with the upper class, who did not work outdoors.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sun tanning
- Wikipedia's article - Sun tanning
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