Can you get a tan from the moon?
Summertime moon bathes are popular, but can you get tans on the moon?
This blog will answer this question and how the tanning process occurs.
No matter how brilliant it is, people cannot tan from the moon. Tanning is a response to UV radiation from the sun.
Keep reading to learn more!
What’s the Tanning Process?
Can you get a tan from the moon?
To determine if the moon affects our capacity to tan, we must first examine the tanning process and why our skin changes color in the first place.
Tanning forms when skin is exposed to Ultra rays generated by the sun.
UV radiation is categorized into three categories depending on wavelength:
- Ultraviolet A (UVA)
- Ultraviolet B (UVB)
- Ultraviolet C (UVC)
UV rays are not all created equal. UVA and UVB rays have distinct wavelengths, which allows them to penetrate different layers of skin.
UVB rays have short wavelengths and may penetrate the skin’s outermost layers (the epidermis).
UVA rays have longer wavelengths and may penetrate deeper into the skin’s dermis or middle layer.
How UV Rays Create Tans
UV rays cause tanning by affecting the melanin in our skin.
Melanin is a pigment in our skin that is generated by cells called melanocytes and is responsible for the color of our skin.
Ultraviolet A (UVA)
UVA tans skin by oxidizing melanin. After exposure to UVA, melanin initiates a chemical process that causes it to darken.
When melanin appears darker, the skin appears tanned and dark.
Ultraviolet B (UVB)
UVB creates a tan differently. UVB increases melanin formation in the skin and changes the cells that store melanin.
These UVB impacts cause the skin to darken or become tanned.
Ultraviolet C (UVC)
In terms of ease of exposure, UVC rays are the least hazardous. Tanning beds must never give out UVC rays.
Their wavelength is the shortest of the three UV ranges.
The ozone layer absorbs most ultraviolet C photons before reaching Earth. However, they would pose the greatest threat if they ever reached Earth.
Can You Get a Tan From the Moon?
The quantity of light reflected off the Moon’s surface and received by Earth is much less than the amount of light received straight from the Sun.
The Moon's reflected light is 500,000 times less bright than the Sun's direct light.
Furthermore, since the Moon does not reflect ultraviolet or visible light, the quantity of UV radiation reflected off the lunar surface is significantly lower.
There is just insufficient UV radiation reaching Earth’s surface from the Moon to cause tanning.
Apart from the moon not emitting UV rays, which are responsible for tanning, other factors interfere with tanning on the moon, which include:
Humid Climates
Humid climates contain more moisture in the air, particularly at night, which may make tanning harder and cause tanning to occur slowly because there is no presence of UV rays.
The Skin Color
People with darker skin will not turn on the moon because their skin has more melanin.
And the moon does not emit the UV rays that stimulate cells called melanocytes to make melanin, which darkens the skin during tanning.
However, if you want to tan while sleeping, you may use a tanning bed:
Tanning Bed
Tanning beds and sunbathing lamps were formerly assumed to be a safe alternative to tanning outdoors; however, this is not the case.
Older tanning beds produced UVB waves, which caused more burning. Thus these beds were modified to create UVA waves.
Although these waves do not burn the skin the same way as UVB waves, this does not imply they are harmless.
UVA rays are suspected of causing skin cancer and immune system problems.
If you’ve ever seen someone who has tanned significantly throughout their life, you’ll see that UVA rays harm the skin and cause deep wrinkles.
What is the Best Weather To Tan In?
Can you get moon burn?
People cannot tan from the moon, no matter how bright it is. Additionally, It makes no difference how hot or cold it is outdoors for you to tan.
Temperature and tanning have no relationship. The link is found in the sun's UV radiation.
For more understanding, let’s take a look on the following weather conditions and their impact on one’s ability to tan:
In Cold Weather
The large number of individuals who get sunburned in cold weather provides more evidence against outside temperature influencing how a person may tan.
Sunburn is possible even in cold conditions, as people who have lived in icy areas can confirm.
If you’re brave enough, you can even get a tan. The snow in this situation reflects and intensifies UV energy.
A Cloudy Day
Cloud cover has no bearing on tanning. Cloud cover cannot filter ultraviolet rays from the sun, allowing you to tan even on a cloudy day.
The temperature will neither stimulate nor discourage a tan, whether in summer’s height or winter’s depths.
Tans are often generated when the skin is exposed to UV rays, which cause skin cells to produce melanin.
Melanin is a defense mechanism to aid the body in fighting skin damage.
Melanocytes are activated when UVA reaches deeper layers of the skin and causes skin damage; melanin is produced to help protect the cells from further harm.
Tips on How to Tan Correctly Without Burning
Now you know that tanning happens only when skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays, namely UVA and UVB emitted by the sun and not the moon.
It is important to know how to tan properly without burning, as the tanning process varies from person to person.
Step #1. Apply Sunscreen in Layers
Apply sunscreen in layers as you lie down for the intervals specified in the following step.
Even though it’s waterproof, put it on after being in the water. Every 90 minutes, reapply after intense perspiration.
Step #2. Take Breaks of 20 Minutes at a Time
Only sit for 20 minutes at a time. Use sunscreen beneath an umbrella if you aren’t going inside between sunbathing.
If you are easily sunburned, limit your time outside to 10 minutes at a time.
Step #3. Change Your Body’s Posture
Change positions every 10 minutes to prevent becoming a half-baked lobster if you burn on one side but not the other.
Tanning on one side will also seem strange and produce a line on the body that looks like a seam.
Step #4. Prone to Photosensitive Disease
If you have a photosensitive condition, you should consider your diet before sunbathing.
Carrots and sweet potatoes, for example, contain beta carotene and are supposed to help protect you against burning.
Step #5. Less Is More
Melanin is responsible for the tanned appearance. Your body quits producing it after around three hours.
Once that time frame has passed, it begins to produce less melanin and poses a greater risk to the dermis.
Step #6. Tanning Preparation
Exfoliate and moisturize your skin before each sunbathing session. A nice thick, pure, unscented moisturizer will protect the skin and promote even tanning.
Notes To Take Into Consideration
- The moonlight does not cause humans to tan because the sunlight reaching Earth through the moon lacks enough ultraviolet strength to activate the skin’s protective armor.
- Tanning occurs when skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays, namely UVA and UVB generated by the sun.
- UVA and UVB radiation may cause skin damage if you do not use suitable tanning measures.
- The kind of tan determines the longevity of a tan. It will also depend on your skin and how often it regenerates.
FAQs About Can You Get a Tan From The Moon
Do you have other questions about whether you can get a tan from the moon? The following are a few examples of additional questions that are often asked:
Is It Possible to Tan at 18 Degrees?
Absolutely! Your skin will tan in cold weather if exposed to UV rays.
Whether you plan to spend time in the sun on a chilly day, remember that cooler temperature makes it harder to see if your skin is burning.
Can the Moon Affect Your Skin?
When the moon cycle is at its climax, you may notice that your emotions are ruffled, and your skin needs additional care.
You should take some time out to relax with a self-care bath and a moisturizing face mask.
Does Moonlight Produce UV?
UVa (450-350nm) and UVB (350-3000nm) pass through. The sun is so brilliant that it is the most powerful natural UV source on the planet.
The moon is about 500,000 times dimmer than the sun. Ultraviolet reflected from the moon may reach Earth.
Final Verdict
Can you get a tan from the moon? No matter how strong the moon’s light is, you won’t be able to obtain a tan from it.
Tanning is a response to UV radiation, which can only be produced by the sun.
After exposure to UVA, melanin initiates a chemical process that causes it to darken. When melanin appears darker, the skin is tanned.
Thanks for reading!
