You may have considered getting a tan, but do you really know how the process works? What types of changes does your skin undergo in order to achieve that bronze glow? The tanning process is a natural one for the most part, but you will need to know how to protect your skin in order to avoid skin cancer and sunburn if you want to tan for a concentrated amount of time.

Tanning is something that occurs naturally when you spend time in the sun. Even for skin that is naturally light in hue, time in the sun stimulates the melanocytes, which are found in the epidermis of the skin. When the UVA rays of the sun hit these layers, the cells produce melanin, which is the substance that causes skin to darken. Of course, some people naturally have more melanin, and it does not take long for some people to develop a tan, even after spending a little time in the sun. This is another reason why sunscreen and proper moisturizing is so important.

If you are going through the tanning process in a salon, then the goal is to experience the same effects of the sun indoors, and in a shorter amount of time. So, just like you would need sunscreen if you were going outdoors, you will also need to apply sun-protective lotions and creams on your body before stepping into the booth or bed for your tan. Both UVA and UVB rays will be shone on your skin, and these rays penetrate both the inner and outer layers of your skin in an attempt to give you an even tan. However, the tan or change in pigmentation occurs mainly on the top layer of your skin, which is why tans will fade often, causing you to make even more appointment at a salong or spa. And, since the heat and the artificial sun rays are manufactured and concentrated, it is more likely that you can develop skin cancer and severe sunburn if you use these tanning methods too often.

If you have never tanned indoors, then you may have success with it even if you have sunbathed before. Your overall skin tone, as well as heredity and your overall sensitivities will determine how well your tan turns out. The tanning process may take a little longer for you if your skin is not used to darkening by using a tanning booth or bed, so make sure that you are conditioning your skin properly, and that you are not getting tans too often; the melanocytes in your skin tend to renew themselves every 30 days or so.

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