Tanning facts for kids

The word tanning has a few different meanings. Most often, it describes two main processes. One is how animal skins are treated to become leather. The other is how human skin gets darker, often from exposure to the sun. This article will help you understand these different uses of the word.

What is Tanning?

Tanning is a process that changes something in a lasting way. We usually hear about tanning in two main contexts. It can refer to making leather from animal skins. It also describes how human skin changes color. Both processes involve interesting chemical changes.

Tanning Animal Skins for Leather

One important meaning of tanning is the process of making leather. Leather comes from animal skins. Without tanning, these skins would quickly decay. Tanning makes them strong, flexible, and durable. This method has been used for thousands of years. It is a very old and important craft.

How Leather is Made

To make leather, animal skins go through several steps. First, they are cleaned to remove hair and flesh. Then, they are soaked in special solutions. These solutions often contain natural substances called tannins. Tannins are found in plants like oak bark. They react with the proteins in the skin. This reaction changes the skin's structure. It stops decay and makes the material strong. The finished product is leather. Leather is used for shoes, bags, belts, and many other items.

Tanning Your Skin

Another common use of the word "tanning" relates to human skin. When skin gets darker, it is often called a tan. This happens when the skin produces more melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment. It helps protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Sun Tanning: Natural Darkening

Sun tanning happens when your skin is exposed to sunlight. The UV rays from the sun cause your skin cells to produce more melanin. This darkens your skin. While a tan might look nice, too much sun can be harmful. It is important to protect your skin from too much sun. Always use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. This helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Indoor Tanning: Using Artificial Light

Some people choose to tan indoors. This involves using special beds or lamps. These devices give off artificial UV light. This light works similarly to sunlight. It causes the skin to produce melanin and darken. However, indoor tanning also carries risks. The UV rays, whether from the sun or artificial sources, can harm your skin. Health experts advise caution with all forms of UV exposure.

Sunless Tanning: A Temporary Color Change

Sunless tanning is a way to get a darker skin color without UV light. This method uses lotions, sprays, or creams. These products contain an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA reacts with the top layer of your skin. It creates a temporary brown color. This color usually lasts for a few days. It fades as your skin naturally sheds its cells. Sunless tanning is considered a safer alternative to UV tanning. It does not expose your skin to harmful UV rays.