bräunen

Bräunen is the German verb for darkening the skin, commonly translated as to tan. It refers to increasing the skin’s brown color through exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or by applying cosmetic products that imitate a sunless tan. The term covers both natural tanning from sunlight and artificial options used to achieve a bronze hue.

Natural tanning occurs when the skin produces melanin in response to UV radiation from the sun or tanning lamps. The resulting color depends on skin type, duration of exposure, and protective measures such as sunscreen. Artificial methods include self-tanners and spray tans that stain only the outer skin layer and do not involve UV exposure; these typically fade over several days.

Health considerations are central to bräunen. UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, sunburn, and photoaging. Tanning beds carry similar or higher risks than sun exposure. Health authorities advise minimizing UV exposure, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and avoiding tanning beds, especially for youth. Self-tanners offer color without UV exposure, but do not provide protection unless sunscreen is used.

Etymology and usage: the word derives from the German word Braun (brown) with the verb ending -en. Across cultures, attitudes toward tanning have varied widely, reflecting aesthetics, outdoor activity, and health messaging.