Why You Sun-burn.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 25 September 1914, Page 2

Why You Sun-burn.

As soon as we expose our bodies to sunlight the skin becomes tanned, that, of brunettes taking on a bronze colour, that of blonde persons becoming dark yellow. What has happened ? In order that the scorching rays may not penetrate the delicate tissues under the skin and injure them the whole body has become active in sending dark-sub-stances to the protective skin in order to shut out the too ardent light. From all parts flow colouring matters ; first, the yellow lip- ochrome borrowed from the fat ; then the melanin, black, as its name suggests. This comes from the blood through the suprarenal capsules, situated immediately over the kidneys. The powerful stimulating influence the suprarenals have upon the whole body is well known. When they are excited to supply this colouring matter their influence is intensified' and they invigorate the system. This probably explains why sun baths are so powerful * topic.