1. How do I get a tan? |
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Getting a tan is no more than the skins way of protecting you against the rays from the sun.
Our skin consists of more than one layer: the epidermis (the outer layer), the dermis and the sub-cutaneous tissue. The epidermis in turn consists of two layers: the horny layer and the germ cell layer which contains the living cells. The latter is of importance to the pigmentation process that will result in a tan. This layer contains keratinocytes, melanocytes, etc. Under the influence of solar rays the latter cells, the melanocytes, produce the pigment substance melanin. The melanocytes transport this pigmentation substance through offshoots called dendrites to fill the colourless keratinocytes and thus provide the colour. |
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