Why do we get Tanned? - Human Body Facts | Science for Kids | Educational Videos by Mocomi

Summary

This transcript discusses the role of melanin in protecting the skin from sun damage. Melanin acts as a protective layer that prevents severe skin damage by increasing its production when exposed to the sun. The accumulation of melanin under the skin over time helps prevent sunburn. If exposed for too long, sunburn causes the top skin layer to peel off, revealing new skin beneath. To avoid sunburn, it is recommended to wear sunscreen with SPF or cover up with light cotton clothing. SPF levels in sunscreen indicate its protection strength.

Takeaways

• 🌞 Sunlight acts as a life-giving force, but too much exposure can be harmful.
• 🧴 The brown color in your skin is caused by melanin, a pigment that protects your skin from sun damage.
• 🔆 When skin is exposed to the sun, it produces more melanin to protect itself.
• 🕒 Over time, melanin accumulates under the skin to prevent damage from prolonged sun exposure.
• 🔥 Sunburn occurs when the top layer of skin is damaged by the sun.
• 🌿 The damaged layer of skin will peel off, revealing a new layer underneath.
• 🧢 If you're going out in the sun, wearing sunscreen or covering up with light cotton clothing is essential.
• ⚡ Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays.
• 🧪 Most sunscreens have different SPF levels. It's important to understand what SPF stands for and how it protects you.
• 🌊 If you're at the beach, using sunscreen or staying covered will help protect your skin from damage.

Q & A

What role does melanin play in our skin?

Melanin acts as a protective layer in our skin, helping to prevent damage from the sun by absorbing and dispersing harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Why does our skin produce more melanin when exposed to the sun?

Our skin produces more melanin when exposed to the sun to protect itself from UV radiation. This increased melanin production leads to tanning, which helps shield the skin from further damage.

What causes the brown color in our skin?

The brown color in our skin is caused by the presence of melanin, a pigment that provides color to our skin, hair, and eyes.

What happens to the skin when it gets sunburned?

When the skin gets sunburned, the outer layer becomes damaged by UV rays, causing redness, pain, and sometimes peeling. The damaged skin eventually peels off to reveal a new layer of skin.

How does melanin protect the skin from UV damage?

Melanin absorbs and scatters UV radiation, reducing the risk of DNA damage in skin cells and lowering the chances of skin cancer and other harmful effects caused by sun exposure.

What is the purpose of using sunscreen when going out in the sun?

The purpose of using sunscreen is to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.

What does SPF stand for in sunscreen products?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which measures a sunscreen's ability to protect the skin from UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn.

How does SPF work in sunscreen products?

SPF indicates how much longer a person can stay in the sun without getting sunburned when using sunscreen compared to not using it. For example, SPF 30 means you can stay in the sun 30 times longer without burning.

What type of clothing is recommended when exposed to the sun for long periods?

It is recommended to wear cool, cotton clothing that covers the skin to provide additional protection from the sun's harmful rays.

Why is it important to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays?

Protecting your skin from UV rays is important to prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin damage, premature aging, and lower the chances of developing skin cancer.