What
is the tanning process?
Tanning takes place in the skin's outermost layer, the epidermis.
This layer contains cells called melanocytes which, when stimulated with
ultraviolet (UVB) light, produce melanin. Melanin is the dark
pigment found throughout the layers of the skin. The melanin then
moves up through the epidermis and is absorbed by skin cells.
When exposed to UVA light, the melanin darkens, producing a tan.
Both the UVA and UVB components of ultraviolet light are needed to produce
the protective condition we call a tan.
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