MelaninGroup of natural pigments found in most organismsMicrograph of melanin pigment (light refracting granular material—center of image) in a pigmented melanomaMicrograph of the epidermis, with melanin labeled at leftMelanin ( ; from Ancient Greek μέλας (mélas) 'black, dark') is a family of biomolecules organized as oligomers or polymers, which among other functions provide the pigments of many organisms.
Human skin colorHuman skin color, also known as skin tone, ranges from the darkest brown to the lightest hues. Differences in skin color among individuals is caused by variation in pigmentation, which is largely due to genetics (inherited from one's biological parents), and, in adults in particular, to exposure to the sun, disorders, or some combination thereof.
Sunless tanningTanning without ultraviolet exposure 1960s advertisement for tanning lotion Sunless tanning refers to the effect of a suntan without exposure to the Sun. Sunless tanning involves the use of oral agents (carotenids), or creams, lotions or sprays applied to the skin. Skin-applied products may be skin-reactive agents or temporary bronzers (colorants).
UltravioletUltraviolet radiation (UV; sometimes called ultraviolet light) is electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths of 100–400 nanometers, shorter than that of visible light, but longer than vacuum ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet, radiation bands that overlaps UV but shares some properties with soft X-rays. UV radiation is present in sunlight and constitutes about 10% of the total electromagnetic radiation output from the Sun.
PhotoagingPhotoaging or photoageing (also known as "dermatoheliosis") is a term used for the characteristic changes to skin induced by chronic UVA and UVB exposure. Effects of UV lightMolecular and genetic changesUVB rays are a primary mutagen that can only penetrate through the epidermal (outermost) layer of the skin and can cause DNAmutations. These mutations arise due to chemical changes within skin cells.
Skin cancerSkin cancers are cancers that arise from the skin. They are due to the development of abnormal cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. It occurs when skin cells grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors. The primary cause of skin cancer is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning devices. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in humans.
SunburnSunburn is a form of radiation burn that affects living tissue, such as skin, that results from an overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from the Sun. Common symptoms in humans and other animals include red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch or painful, general fatigue, and mild dizziness. Other symptoms include blistering, peeling skin, swelling, itching, and nausea.
Indoor tanningIndoor tanning involves using a device that emits ultraviolet radiation to produce a cosmetic tan. Typically found in tanning salons, gyms, spas, hotels, and sporting facilities, and less often in private residences, the most common device is a horizontal tanning bed, also known as a sunbed or solarium. Vertical devices are known as tanning booths or stand-up sunbeds.
Vitamin DEssential nutrientVitamin D is a group of structurally related, fat-soluble compounds responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, along with numerous other biological functions. In humans, the most important compounds within this group are vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).
SunlightLight emitted by the SunThe Sun, as seen from low Earth orbit overlooking the International Space Station. This sunlight is not filtered by the lower atmosphere, which blocks much of the solar spectrum.Sunlight shining upon two different sides of the U.S. state of New Jersey. Sunrise on the Jersey Shore at Spring Lake, Monmouth County (above), and sunset on the Shore at Sunset Beach, Cape May County (below).
Tanning lampTanning lamps (sometimes called tanning bulbs in the United States or tanning tubes in Europe) are the part of a tanning bed, booth or other tanning device which produces ultraviolet light used for indoor tanning. There are hundreds of different kinds of tanning lamps most of which can be classified in two basic groups: low pressure and high pressure.
SunscreenSkin product helping to prevent sunburnMedical interventionSunscreen, also known as sunblock, sun lotion or sun cream, is a photoprotective topical product for the skin that helps protect against sunburn and prevent skin cancer. Sunscreens come as lotions, sprays, gels, foams (such as an expanded foam lotion or whipped lotion), sticks, powders and other topical products.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.