While the number of melanocytes is virtually constant in people of all colors and in all regions of the body, the amount of melanin made by those melanocytes is different and is what determines skin color. So if your stomach gets tanner than your face, it's because the melanocytes there make more melanin.
For example you may find that your stomach will tan a lot darker than the insides of your arms and legs. This is because your stomach contains far more pigment forming cells (cells that are able to produce melanin when exposed to UV light).
"The research shows that instead of thinking that you have got one skin, or one skin type, in fact each of us has lots of different skin regions, each of which responds differently to UV light and so take longer than others to go red and then tan," said Jonathan Rees, a professor of dermatology, who led the study.
Uneven skin tone can be caused by a couple of factors like Genetics, Sun exposure, Uneven cream application and so forth.
Dark stomach skin can be due to hormonal imbalance, accumulation of dirt or dust on the skin or a chemical reaction. Sometimes, your lotion or cream may also react with the skin thus leading to a dark stomach.
While the number of melanocytes is virtually constant in people of all colors and in all regions of the body, the amount of melanin made by those melanocytes is different and is what determines skin color. So if your stomach gets tanner than your face, it's because the melanocytes there make more melanin.
Difficult-to-tan areas (e.g. leg skin, palms) are those where the skin has fewer melanocytes than other areas of the body that get more sun exposure.
Currently, several vitamins and supplements are investigated for their ability to boost melanin production. However, the best way to support average melanin production is to eat a healthy diet full of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains.
Once skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. Melanin is the same pigment that colors your hair, eyes, and skin. The increase in melanin may cause your skin tone to darken over the next 48 hours.
Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan.
A new study by Missouri School of Journalism researcher Cynthia Frisby found that people perceive a light brown skin tone to be more physically attractive than a pale or dark skin tone.
Its a scientific fact - Scientists believe that tanning causes a subconscious effect that makes us feel healthier, more active and more attractive when we have a tan. If you look good, you feel good; it is a powerful aphrodisiac for self-confidenceHere, here!
You can use topical products to lighten your skin. These products reduce melanin and are commercially available. Prescription or over-the-counter skin lightening products often have the following ingredients: hydroquinone, kojic acid, vitamin C, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, retinoid.
A major extrinsic regulator of melanogenesis is ultraviolet radiation (UVR), including UVA and UVB light. This is the main stimulus for melanin production, leading to induced pigmentation of the skin, or 'tanning'.
Albinism. When a person has very little melanin, it results in this rare disorder. People with albinism have pale skin, white hair and blue eyes. There's also an increased risk for vision loss and sun damage.
The sun in Australia is extreme due to its geographical position and amount of stratospheric ozone with the north of the country experiencing more extreme sunlight intensity and UV radiation - the summer sun in Australia is 7 to 10 percent stronger than similar latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.
A natural tan will usually last for around 7-10 days, although this can vary for each different skin type and colour. However, any exposure to sun during that 7-10 day period could mean that your tan will hang around for longer, so the length of time it lasts really does depend on the individual.
Males preferred darker tans more than women. A similar study found that males not only rated dark tans as more attractive (vs. light or medium tans), but also perceived dark-tanned women as thinner (Banerjee, Campo, & Greene, 2008). Tanning's powers extend beyond simple attractiveness.
Ab definition is slightly more visible when you have a tan. It just makes what you have easier to see. This is especially true if you're lean enough to have ab definition, but you haven't been able to build much muscle thickness there.
Basically the darker your skin the more defined your muscles look, giving the impression you are distinctly toned. A healthy glow can also hide any underlying blemishes with the spotlight being on your body. It's the simple science of light; darker areas absorb light, therefore creating less surface reflection.
Melanin is the body's way of protecting skin from burning. Darker-skinned people tan more deeply than lighter-skinned people because their melanocytes produce more melanin.