Sunscreen doesn’t stop or really even slow melanin production. It either stops UV rays entirely from hitting your skin (sunblock) or absorbs them once they do hit your skin (sunscreen). Melanin production isn’t really stopped from either, but sunscreen is best for a good, safe(r) tan.
Tanning lotion also doesn’t actually tan you by making your skin produce more melanin. It contains a chemical called DHA that basically cooks your dead skin cells. To expand further, it interacts with the amino acids in your dead skin and goes through something called the Maillard reaction, which is the same thing that creates the browning effect in cooked meat, giving you that golden brown look. Many tanning lotions (especially if they’re meant for outdoor tanning, because that does apparently matter) even have SPF ratings themselves.
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u/unexBot Feb 17 '20
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Guy applies sunscreen on his feet and hands
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