Why does the skin of some people tan in the sun while others tend to just burn? And why do men seem more prone to burning in the sun than women?

Brainyblonde

Fair skinned people have a less protective form of melanin. When out in the sun, cells called melanocytes produce melanin, which then stays in the top layer of skin for about 4-5 days, giving a tanned appearance. The melanin produced by fair skinned people is much less protective, meaning no amount of sunbaking will result in a tan, just sunburn and skin damage. http://www.sunsmart.com.au/s/facts/research_getting_a_tan.htm Mar 30 04, 9:04 PM

Baloo55th

Men are more liable to regard suncream as sissy, and are also more liable to walk around topless. I got very severely told off last summer by my 8 year old cousin for going into the Cinderford Co-op without putting a t-shirt on. Didn't stop me. By the way, for those abroad who think Britain is always rainy and/or cloudy, I spent nearly a week wearing shorts and sandals and suncream (and a t-shirt about three times only!) Mar 31 04, 4:49 PM

Senior Moments

I have a similar tale to tell as Baloo55th. He said he spent nearly a week wearing shorts and sandals and suncream. I, on the other hand, spent nearly a week wearing sheets and sundials and salad cream. It was only then I realised I was dyslexic. Mar 31 04, 5:03 PM