Spring is really "just around the corner". February is the best time to begin building a tan gradually to minimize your risk of overexposure to the suns' UV rays. It takes a minimum of six to ten sessions for a previously unexposed person to begin to develop a base tan. Tanning is part of what may be referred to as the "pigmentation process" that occurs in the top layer of skin (the epidermis). Your skin produces melanin upon exposure to UV rays from the sun or a tanning unit.

The tanning process occurs in two phases. The rapid darkening of already existing melanin is induced mainly by UVA rays and is referred to as IPD (immediate pigment darkening). IPD is the color seen immediately after using a tanning unit. The color can fade within minutes or last several days after longer exposures and blend in to the delayed tanning phase.

The delayed tanning phase is induced mainly by the UVB rays as a result of increased melanin. It is first visible 72 hours after exposure. Both UVA and UVB contribute to the delayed tanning phase. The length of the immediate pigment darkening phase is determined by a person's skin type and may only be experienced for a few minutes by some individuals. This could be perceived as an ineffective tanning session and could lead to unintentional overexposure. It is, therefore, very important to allow from 24 to 48 hours between sessions to give the skins' melanin adequate time to come to the surface.

Building a base tan safely and effectively can be a slow and delicate process, but when done properly and with patience, the result is always rewarding. While you can't achieve a deep, dark tan overnight, there are ways you can maximize your skins' tanning ability both from the outside, and from the inside. Learn More

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Disclaimer

Tanning & Natural Health News is a publication of Tan Plus /Essentials Of Life, Barclay Square, 350 Route 108, Somersworth, NH. This publication is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be presented as medical advice. Product statements made have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.