Sun tanning
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.)
To avoid sunburn, sunscreen, tanning oil or creme is used.
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