When we sunbathe, the goal is to tan our skin.
To tan is to give something the hue of bronze : that is, the yellowish-reddish color characteristic of the alloy that combines copper and tin. This is the first meaning that the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) mentions in its dictionary.
Tan the skin
When we sunbathe we tan our skin. This is the most common use we give to this concept. Note that in this context we can also use the term in its reflexive pronominal form ("tanning, tanning, tanning, etc.") if we understand that we are synonymous with our body and our skin: "This summer , I plan to tan as soon as I get to the beach. " » . This change in color can be produced by an artificial substance or by sunlight .
The skin tans when there is an increase in melanin , which is a pigment present in the cytoplasm of some cells of humans and other vertebrate animals. The ultraviolet light from the sun's rays favors the synthesis of melanin: thus, if a person wants to tan they must expose themselves to solar radiation.
When tanning, an individual's skin can acquire a bronze-like color, although this darkening depends on each individual's genetics. Currently in many Western countries tanning is sought for aesthetic reasons .
Tanning: benefits and risks
The act of tanning the skin can generate health benefits because the sun is key for our body, but it can also be harmful if we do not do it taking certain precautions.
Health benefits of tanning:
- Safe, moderate tanning can stimulate the production of vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and the immune system, and plays an important role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus;
- Sun exposure and tanning can stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and help reduce stress and anxiety;
- In some people, controlled sun exposure can help improve certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, acne, and dermatitis , due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties;
- A light tan can make your skin look healthier, more even, and more attractive.
Potential risks of tanning:
- Excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun or use of tanning beds is associated with an increased risk of developing skin cancer , including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the latter being the most serious type of cancer. of skin;
- UV radiation can damage elastin and collagen in the skin, which can lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and premature skin aging;
- Failure to wear protective sunglasses may increase the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions;
- Excessive sun exposure can increase the number and size of moles and freckles, which can increase the risk of developing melanoma.
Tanning is beneficial as long as it is done responsibly.
bronzer
Tanner is a cosmetic product designed to speed up and enhance the skin's tanning process by exposing it to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from artificial sources such as tanning beds. It aims to give the skin a darker, golden tone, which is often associated with a healthy and attractive appearance . It contains ingredients known as "active tanners" that stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, resulting in a faster, longer-lasting tan.
Tanners can come in different forms, such as lotions, creams, oils, and sprays. Some products also incorporate additional ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and aloe vera , intended to hydrate and protect the skin during sun exposure. Additionally, there are options with different levels of sun protection factor (SPF), which provide an additional layer against harmful UV rays.