A tan is a natural mechanism of the human body to guard itself against the harmful UV rays of the sun. When we sit outside in the sun for long periods of time, the body starts acquiring a dark color, commonly referred to as a tan. The 'tan' is actually a colored pigment in the skin which protects the skin from excessive UV radiation. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are part of a vast spectrum of rays emitted by the sun. More the exposure to UV rays more is the pigment produced by the skin glands.

What actually happens when we sit under the sun is that the body's melanocytes start producing the darkening pigment known as melanin. This melanin pigment absorbs the UV rays and thus protects the skin from sun damage. The amount of naturally produced melanin varies from race to race as it depends wholly on heredity. African-Americans have high amounts of melanin which makes their skin look black or dark brown. Caucasians have much lesser melanin which makes their skin look light. Agreed that it is fashionable to look tanned but then it is also necessary to take adequate protection before you venture out into the sun. No matter what, it is important to follow safe sun practices. Because it is essential to know that tanning may lead to problems like skin cancer, cataracts, wrinkles, premature aging, blemishes and yes, even a weakened immune system. Your skin happens to be one sensitive part of your body and it performs some of the vital functions. It is skin that controls thermal equilibrium of your body and you get a greater part of vitamin D through it.

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