Sun tanning is the darkening of the skin, especially of fair-skinned individuals, in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunshine (or a sunbed).
The darkening of the skin is caused by an increased release of the pigment melanin into the skin's cells. This pigment is produced by cells called melanocytes, and protects the body by absorbing harmful solar radiation.
A suntan has often been seen as attractive, though this is variable and susceptible to the whims of fashion. The wish of some to look well-tanned, combined with the modern concern about overexposure to the sun, (which has been linked to melanoma) has led to the production of products that give the appearance of a suntan without any exposure to the sun. (See fake tan.)
A study by a Dr. Anthony Liguori and others, published in the July 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , Part 1, suggests that indoor sun tanning may be addictive. The UV content of the sun's rays stimulate the production of endorphins, resulting in a natural "high".
Studies undertaken by George Washington University and Sydney University suggest that the UVB component of sunlight damages the skin.
To avoid sunburn, sunscreen, tanning oil or creme are used.
Other meanings
Suntan was also the code name of an early prototype to the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft by the Lockheed Skunk Works.
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