Knowing the difference between the two forms of tanning that occur after UV exposure is crucial because one produces melanin (to provide a small amount of extra sun protection), and the other does not. Melanin is a skin pigment that comes in the form of little granules that develop and stay in your skin to give you a tan hue. Melanocytes, which are specialized skin cells, produce it. Melanin granules spread out in the top layer of your live skin, where UV rays have been absorbed. Even a thick coating of pigment granules in your skin from tanning only provides a little amount of additional sun protection, and it takes time for your skin to produce that protection.

Immediate Pigment Darkening and Delayed Pigment Darkening are the two types of tanning responses to UV radiation.

• Immediate Pigment Darkening

This is instant tanning, which occurs when your skin redistributes the previously present pigment. There are no new melanin granules produced. It occurs shortly after UVB and UVA radiation (UVA is used in tanning beds) exposure. The tan develops quickly and reaches its peak after only a few hours.

This form of UV exposure causes your skin to become rough and lackluster. That's because it causes the thickness of your skin's dead skin cell layer (stratum corneum) to rise, resulting in rough skin texture.

Its development is linked to the melanocytic system. Structure alterations in melanocytes and keratinocytes and a chemical alteration of pre-existing melanin are all involved. The severity of the darkening is at its peak just after exposure and swiftly fades.

• Delayed Pigment Darkening

This type of delayed tanning takes a long time to develop and is only caused by UVB light exposure. You can't acquire it via tanning beds' UVA. Because UVB is the same solar radiation that causes sunburn, tanning is a step in the process that leads to sunburn. It starts 2 to 3 days after exposure and peaks 10 to 14 days afterward.

The tan is caused by your skin producing more melanin pigment granules and distributing them throughout the living layer of your skin. This implies that while it provides some UV protection, it also causes DNA damage. Because melanin granules rise up and out of your skin when your cells shed, tans are only transient. This form of exposure, like the instant tan, generates an increase in your skin's dead skin cell layer.

Your skin will darken due to melanin pigmentation if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Some individuals like getting a tan when out and about, while others attempt to avoid it as much as possible. To help prevent yourself from tanning and overexposure to UV radiation, take extra precautions.

• Regardless of the weather, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day 

Even if it's chilly, wet, or overcast outdoors, the sun's rays may harm your skin. Moreover, even if you don't intend on being outside for lengthy periods, your skin will benefit from using sunscreen regularly. Always, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it to your face and any other exposed regions of your body not covered by clothing.

• When the sun is at its brightest, stay inside

The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are when the sun's beams are at their most powerful. If you're going to go outside, do so early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent obtaining a tan. Observe the length of your shadow; if it is shorter than you, the sun is shining brightly. If it's longer than you are, the rays aren't as harmful.

• When you're outside, wear a big floppy hat and UV sunglasses

These sun-protecting items will shield your eyes, cheeks, and even shoulders from harmful UV rays. However, even if you don't notice the effects right away, a burn or tan can happen within 15 minutes of being outside, so take care even if you're only going for a short stroll or spending some time outside. Also, don't forget to put on your sunglasses when driving. The sun's reflection off of asphalt or concrete can cause eye burn.

• Put on some protection gear

When used in conjunction with the other procedures, protective clothing can be one of the most efficient strategies to avoid overexposure to UV radiation when participating in outdoor activities. Bright or dark-colored materials with substantially greater Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) than light-colored clothes are good for sun protection.

• When possible, seek shade

Though shade does not block all UV radiation, it can assist give respite from the heat and protection from the glare of reflected UV rays when used in conjunction with the other procedures indicated. To prevent as much UV exposure as possible during peak sunshine hours, seek out areas of natural shade or make your shade with an umbrella or tarp when partaking in outdoor activities.

• The length of a suntan removal treatment is determined by the method and the region to be treated.

  Chemical Peels: You will notice a visible reduction in your skin tan following your chemical peel treatment, generally after 1-2 sessions. Dermatologists commonly use chemical peels to remove sun tan from the face, and they may prescribe that you have 4-6 treatments to notice results.

  Laser Toning: Immediately after your laser toning treatment, you will notice a visible reduction in tan. You may need 4-6 sessions, depending on the region of your body.

  Microdermabrasion: To achieve a visible reduction in your tan, you may need 4-6 microdermabrasion treatment sessions.

Overexposure to the sun carries the following risks:

• Sunburn
• A rash caused by the heat
• Aging too soon (skin loses elasticity in the sun, which can cause wrinkles and skin damage)
• Sweating from the heat causes dehydration
• Skin cancers such as melanoma and others
• Looking at the sun can harm the retina's rods and cones; it can cause eye injury.