How do tans happen

In response to sun exposure, the skin produces melanin , which can take time. This eventually changes the color of the skin.

For example, consider two people sitting on a beach: one with light skin and one with darker skin. The light-skinned person may burn while the darker-skinned person tans which still damages the skin. According to the American Academy Of Dermatology , skin color is a major indicator of whether a person will burn or tan. There are many factors that will influence the length of time it takes a person to tan. Here are six factors that influence tanning:.

In addition, sunless tanning pills are not safe according to the Mayo Clinic and the Food and Drug Administration. Tanning beds are very harmful and should be avoided. One indoor tanning session can increase the risk of developing melanoma by as much 20 percent. Tanning beds expose to the body to high levels of UVA rays that are linked to skin cancer. You can achieve the look of a tan by getting a spray tan or using a bronzing lotion that includes DHA. Risks associated with tanning include:.

The time is takes to tan depends on several factors including your skin color, your climate, and how close you are to the equator. Most people will tan within 1 to 2 hours in the sun.

One of the primary ways our bodies obtain vitamin D is through absorption from sun exposure. You may think of dietary sources, but this is hard with the average diet. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D is IU.

A glass of milk contains around IUs. Supplements are available as well. In contrast, spending 10 to 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen on a summer day in light clothing may result in the absorption of 5, IU's.

Since the majority of Americans have lower than recommended vitamin D levels, many of the dermatology organizations are now reconsidering their previous sunscreen recommendations to perhaps include a short period of time in the sun before application of sunscreen. If you are worried about your teen, a simple blood test can determine where her level is at, and your pediatrician can help you decide if a supplement or some time in the sun is needed.

In addition, keep your eyes out for dermatology recommendations regarding healthy sun exposure which may be changing. There are risks to tanning, and it is important to discuss your concerns with your teen.

In fact, discussing the risks and benefits of sun exposure are a good way to discuss the importance of moderation in many activities in their lives. Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy.

Food and Drug Administration. Consumer updates. Indoor tanning: the risks of ultraviolet rays. Updated December 18, Sunscreen: how to help protect your skin from the sun.

Updated August 29, Environmental Working Group. EWG's guide to suncreens. Wimalawansa SJ. Prevention of chronic diseases by maintaining physiological concentrations of vitamin D. J Clin Endocrin Diabe Rese. Vitamin D fact sheet for health professionals. Updated March 24, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellFamily. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

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I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Meet your daily vitamin D requirement the safe way — with food or supplements. Tanning does not protect against sunburn; it simply exposes you to more harmful UV rays. The best way to prevent sunburn is to seek the shade, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses, and apply sunscreen every day.

Make healthy skin a way of life. The Facts. The Risks. How They Affect You. Your best defense is to avoid tanning altogether. What causes tanning? What is at stake? This damage is cumulative, starting from the very first tan. Your Health One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of Worldwide, there are more skin cancer cases due to indoor tanning than there are lung cancer cases due to smoking. Your Appearance Tanning changes and ages your skin.

If you do develop skin cancer, you run the risk of further, sometimes unsightly changes to your appearance.