What does tanned skin mean?
Tanning is the natural darkening of the skin that occurs as a result of our body's self-protection against exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or artificial light.
This darkening is caused by the increase of melanin, a pigment found in the cells of the epidermis whose synthesis is increased when it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or artificial light. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, and its purpose is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of solar radiation. The darkening of the skin is directly related to a person's genetics and can reach different degrees.
Skin factors that affect tanning
There are different skin phototypes, ranging from light to dark, which have a high impact on the tanning result.
TYPE I: Skin that is extremely sensitive to photodamage, never tans and is very prone to burns and/or developing serious conditions.
TYPE II: Skin that rarely tans. High risk of skin damage from sun exposure.
TYPE III: Skin that sometimes tans; the risk of erythema or reddening of the skin remains high.
TYPE IV: Skin that tends to tan easily; erythema or reddening of the skin rarely occurs.
TYPE V: Skin that tans easily; it is difficult for skin burns to develop.
TYPE VI: Skin that never burns. However, the risk of contracting skin diseases from sun exposure is still present.
There are different skin phototypes, ranging from light to dark, which have a high impact on the tanning result.
TYPE I: Skin that is extremely sensitive to photodamage, never tans and is very prone to burns and/or developing serious conditions.
TYPE II: Skin that rarely tans. High risk of skin damage from sun exposure.
TYPE III: Skin that sometimes tans; the risk of erythema or reddening of the skin remains high.
TYPE IV: Skin that tends to tan easily; erythema or reddening of the skin rarely occurs.
TYPE V: Skin that tans easily; it is difficult for skin burns to develop.
TYPE VI: Skin that never burns. However, the risk of contracting skin diseases from sun exposure is still present.
How to contribute to a healthy tan
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - this is the most risky time for sun exposure. During this time, the UV index is very high in summer time.
- Protect yourself on cloudy days - ultraviolet radiation is filtered by cloud density.
- Apply sunscreen - choose sunscreen according to skin type and remember to apply it every two hours in case of direct sun exposure.
- Be extremely careful at the beach or in the mountains - sand and snow increase the risk of skin burns.
- Drink plenty of water to keep the body and skin hydrated.
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - this is the most risky time for sun exposure. During this time, the UV index is very high in summer time.
- Protect yourself on cloudy days - ultraviolet radiation is filtered by cloud density.
- Apply sunscreen - choose sunscreen according to skin type and remember to apply it every two hours in case of direct sun exposure.
- Be extremely careful at the beach or in the mountains - sand and snow increase the risk of skin burns.
- Drink plenty of water to keep the body and skin hydrated.
