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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.
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.
It is actually the
Melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) produced by the pituitary gland
which stimulates the production of melanin. If the secretion of MSH is
high, the body becomes darker in color. Another hormone called ACTH can
also lead to the production of melanin.
Melanocyte production also depends a lot on the race. In some races,
such as the Caucasians, the skin produces very less amount of melanin.
Also, it gets burnt instead of getting tanned, when exposed to sun. In
some other races, melanin production is continuous, whether the skin may
get exposed to sun or not. So, they always have a somewhat tanned skin.
Hence, fair-skinned people who want to get a tan have to have patience.
Because however fashionable it might be, it is not possible for them to
get 'that perfect tan' in a day.
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