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There are two different mechanisms involved in production of a tan by UV exposure. Firstly, UV-A radiation generates oxidative stress which leads to the oxidation of existing melanin. This whole process results in rapid darkening of the skin. This particular ray may also cause melanin to be redistributed without changing its total quantity. Hence, the effect of UV-A leads to skin darkening. Secondly, UV-B triggers the second process in which there is an increase in production of melanin (melanogenesis). This is your body’s natural response to direct photodamage or the formation of pyrimidine dimers from UV radiation. On the other hand, melanogenesis leads to rapid tanning which will be fully visible within 72 hours after exposure. The tan that is created by an increased melanogenesis lasts much longer than the one that is caused by oxidation of existing melanin which primarily involves UV-A. To sum it all up, tanning has been in and out of people’s lives throughout history. In the ancient times, people worshiped the sun and believed that it has therapeutic powers. This was also the time when the first sun loungers already existed. Archeological investigations have found pictures depicting ancient gods and kings lying on their loungers as servants were bringing them food. However, there came a time when basking in the sun was considered to be a pagan ritual which commonly resulted to the deaths of sun lovers. What is more, certain cultures consider dark skins as those who belonged to a low class of the society. This was the reason why women in the earlier times went to great lengths to preserve their white beauty by applying lead-based and arsenic cosmetics that were found out to be dangerous for the health. In this era, fashion statements commonly involved long dresses with full sleeves, bonnets, scarves, and other coverings. Sun loungers were also used as chairs prepared to catch fainting women because of their corsets. It was not only in the 20th century when people began to acknowledge the benefits of sun exposure. So, sunbathing became a common activity and loungers have redeemed their original purpose. Over time, many famous people like Coco Chanel and Josephine Baker have showed off their tanned skins that encouraged many people to have their own tans too; this began the Golden Skin Era. Up until now, tanning and using the sun loungers remain popular for those who love to have that healthy, luxurious, glowing skin. For more information, visit this website.
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