Ask A Scientist© Zoology Archive

name       Kat Eiler
status     student
age        19

Question - How do you increase the production of
melanin in your body....to achieve a deeper tan??? Does it have anything
to do with the amount of vitamin D in the system...and is there a way to
increase it  without medical intervention???


The ability to produce melanin is largely genetic. Certain hormonal
conditions and drugs will effect the ability to tan but they all are to my
knowledge either not effective, carry considerable risk or are not approved
for such use. As with everything in our lives we are to a great extent
confined by the genetic composition bestowed on us by our parents and their
parents.  Scary thought!

PF
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