what does the skin produce in response to sunlight exposure
Sun tanning Moderate exposure to the sun contributes to the production of melanin and vitamin D by the body, but excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays has negative health effects, including sunburn and increased risk of skin cancer,[1] as well as depressed immune system function and accelerated aging of the skin. Some people tan or sunburn more easily than others. This may be the result of different skin types and natural skin color, and these may be a result of genetics.
Melanocyte Melanocytes (/məˈlænəˌsaɪt, -noʊ-/ ( listen) or /ˈmɛlənəˌsaɪt, -noʊ-/[1][2]) are melanin-producing neural-crest derived[3] cells located in the bottom layer (the stratum basale) of the skin's epidermis, the middle layer of the eye (the uvea),[4] the inner ear,[5] meninges,[6] bones,[7] and heart.[8] Melanin is the pigment primarily responsible for skin color. Once synthesised, melanin is contained in a special organelle called a melanosome and moved along arm-like structures called dendrites, so as to reach the keratinocytes.