The skin's uppermost layer, the epidermis, with melanocytes producing the protective pigment, melanin.

Imedeen Tan Optimizer™

How do we tan?

Tanning takes place in the skin's uppermost layer, called the epidermis. This layer is approximately one tenth of a millimetre thick and consists of 15-25 layers of epidermal cells. The lower layers contain melanocytes that produce the protective pigment, melanin, which is responsible for tanning.

During sun exposure melanocytes increase their melanin production and distribute it to neighbouring cells where, like an umbrella, it provides epidermal cells with the body's natural protection against the sun's rays. Your visible tan is actually the total amount of melanin in all the layers of the epidermis. The more melanin in the skin, the deeper the tan.