Päevendus

Päevendus is an Estonian term that broadly refers to the process of exposing something to sunlight. While its most common usage relates to tanning, it can also encompass other applications where sunlight is utilized for drying, curing, or preservation. In the context of tanning, päevendus refers to the deliberate exposure of skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun to darken its color. This is typically done for aesthetic purposes, to achieve a tanned appearance. This process stimulates melanocytes in the skin to produce more melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.

Beyond personal tanning, päevendus can describe the practice of drying or curing materials in the sun. For example, hay might be left to dry in the sun to reduce moisture content, or certain fabrics might be sun-dried to set their color or kill bacteria. Historically, and in some traditional practices, food items like fruits or vegetables might undergo päevendus to preserve them through dehydration. The intensity of the sun and the duration of exposure are key factors in all forms of päevendus, influencing the outcome whether it is a change in skin tone, a reduction in moisture, or a preservation effect.