Tanning and melanin, why do we tan? The secrets to perfect skin

In the summer, we can't wait to get some tan. Yet, not everyone knows that it is, in fact, a defense mechanism for the skin

ROME – What is the role of melanin and how can we protect ourselves from the sun in summer? When the good weather arrives, we can’t wait to go to the beach to get a tan. Yet, not everyone knows that, in fact, tanning is a defense mechanism for the skin: this is why it is important to use a protective filter such as Avene Solari, for avoid getting burned and do prevention.

Why do we tan?

The moment we expose ourselves to the sun, the skin activates a defense mechanism: the melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that gives our skin’s natural complexion. Once activated, we begin to observe the first signs of tanning.

The task of melanin is very important, as it prevents UV rays from causing damage. Beyond melanogenesis, a thickening of the stratum corneum occurs, which is a further defense mechanism of the skin.

The effects of the sun on the skin and more generally on health are various: not only is it a source of life – without our Star we would not exist – but it stimulates the production of vitamin D, with further benefits for the mood, increasing the level of serotonin.

How to stimulate melanin

First of all, it is good to know that there are two types of melanin: the first is eumelanin, and it is the darker one; the second is pheomelanin, which instead is reddish in color, as it has a high concentration of sulphur.

As anticipated, the role of melanin is to protect our skin, but not only that: we can consider it important to prevent skin aging, reducing the production of free radicals, which are among the main causes.

In some cases production stimulation is necessary, and we can do this with nutrition or supplements. The deficiency of melanin is a problem that should not be underestimated, as it makes you more vulnerable to sunburn.

To integrate it through your diet, you can prefer a healthy intake of fruit and vegetables, such as apricots, blueberries, chicory, celery, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, radicchio, taking care to also integrate the fish, liver, white meat, legumes and finally milk.

The importance of using the right sunscreen

Spending days on the beach makes you happy: the idea of lying on the sunbed, under the umbrella, drinking a cold drink while looking at the sea, taking a dip in the water, appreciating the smell of the salt… a paradise , of course, but be careful when choosing sunscreen.

We have understood that tanning is a defense mechanism, so it is up to us to protect the skin with the most suitable product. In this regard, the reference sun protection factor is SPF, which specifically provides a numerical indication ranging from 6 to 50+.

According to dermatologists, you should opt for a sun protection factor of no less than 15; it rises to 30 for lighter skin; to 50 in the case of children, the elderly and sensitive skin.

This is only a general indication, because it must be remembered that very high protection remains a point of reference for carrying out correct prevention. In case of doubts, it is always advisable to seek the opinion of an expert, so as to tan without worries.