However, research suggests that UVA radiation may also play a role in skin cancer. A tan is visible proof that your skin is being damaged. When ultraviolet radiation hits your skin, it stimulates cells known as melanocytes, which make a brown pigment called melanin. The melanocytes respond to the sun by making even more melanin to protect your skin from the sun. The melanin acts sort of like an umbrella for the skin's cells and can give people the brown tint that is a suntan.
Different people have different amounts of melanin in their skin.
Those with a Northern European background tend to have less melanin and be rather pale, while people with dark brown or black skin, like many people from Africa, have more. People who are a Type V or VI have more natural protection against the sun than those who are a Type I or II, but that doesn't mean they should ignore warnings about sun exposure. All information on TeensHealth is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.