Tanning is the process by which your skin becomes darker after being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds or sun lamps. When you’re exposed to UV radiation, your skin produces a pigment called melanin, which helps protect your skin from further damage by absorbing the UV rays.

There are two types of melanin: eumelanin, which produces a dark brown to black color, and pheomelanin, which produces a yellow to reddish-brown color. The amount and type of melanin produced by your skin depends on a variety of factors, including your genetics, the amount of UV radiation you’re exposed to, and certain hormones and medications.

Tanning is achieved through both UVB and UVA radiation. UVB radiation causes your skin to produce more melanin, resulting in a darker color, while UVA radiation penetrates deeper into your skin and oxidizes existing melanin, causing it to darken. Tanning beds and sun lamps typically emit both UVB and UVA radiation, which allows for a faster and more intense tan.

While tanning can give you a beautiful, sun-kissed glow, it’s important to understand that UV radiation can have negative effects on your skin and overall health. UV radiation can cause DNA damage in your skin cells, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer. In fact, tanning beds and sun lamps have been classified as carcinogenic to humans.

To protect your skin while tanning, it’s important to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses, and limiting your time in the sun, especially during peak hours when the sun’s rays are strongest. You can also choose to use sunless tanning products, such as lotions and sprays, which give you a tan without exposing your skin to UV radiation.