Cells in the epidermis’ germinative layer (living epidermis) are constantly reproducing and pushing older cells upward toward the horny layer (dead epidermis), where they are sloughed off in about one month. As your skin replaces its cells, the cells laden with melanin are removed. So, the tanning process must continue with new cells.
Tanning takes place in the skins outermost layer, the epidermis. About five percent of the cells in your epidermis are special cells called melanocytes. When exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) light, melanocytes produce melanin – the pigment which is ultimately responsible for your tan. The pinkish melanin travels through the epidermis and is absorbed by other skin cells. When exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) light the melanin oxidizes /darkens. This darkening is your skin’s way of protecting itself from UV light.
Everyone has the same number of melanocytes in their body – about five million. But heredity dictates how much melanin your body’s melanocytes naturally produce. For example, the skin of an African-American contains enough melanin to create a black or brown skin color, while the skin of a caucasian has less melanin and is pale.
Tanning takes place in the skins outermost layer, the epidermis. About five percent of the cells in your epidermis are special cells called melanocytes. When exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) light, melanocytes produce melanin – the pigment which is ultimately responsible for your tan. The pinkish melanin travels through the epidermis and is absorbed by other skin cells. When exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) light the melanin oxidizes /darkens. This darkening is your skin’s way of protecting itself from UV light.
Everyone has the same number of melanocytes in their body – about five million. But heredity dictates how much melanin your body’s melanocytes naturally produce. For example, the skin of an African-American contains enough melanin to create a black or brown skin color, while the skin of a caucasian has less melanin and is pale.
