The body tans as a defense mechanism against harmful ultraviolet radiation that can cause sunburn and skin damage.
Ultraviolet (UV) light, with wavelengths shorter than visible light, has the energy to cause severe skin damage in the form of sunburn. The body tans as a protective mechanism against UV radiation by releasing melanin, a brown pigment that helps block UV penetration and prevent damage to deeper skin tissues.
Another important protective measure against UV radiation is the application of suntan lotion or sunscreen, which contains compounds like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to block UVA rays that can penetrate deep into the skin, potentially causing cancer and wrinkles.
Ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere blocks most of the harmful ultraviolet rays, but the fraction that reaches the Earth can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and other harmful effects, highlighting the importance of protecting our skin from UV radiation.
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