Which factor can influence how quickly a person tans?

The speed at which a person tans is primarily influenced by their skin type. This is due to the varying amounts of melanin present in the skin, which is the pigment responsible for color. People with fair skin typically have less melanin and may tan more slowly because they are more susceptible to sunburn and require more exposure to UV rays to stimulate melanin production effectively. Conversely, individuals with darker skin types usually have more melanin, allowing them to tan faster and more easily. Various skin classification systems, such as the Fitzpatrick scale, detail how different skin types react to sun exposure, thus illustrating the significance of skin type in the tanning process.

While body weight, age, and time of day may have some indirect influence on tanning—like overall metabolic rate or the angle of sunlight—these factors are not as directly impactful on the tanning process itself compared to skin type. Understanding the relationship between skin type and tanning is critical for providing safe and effective tanning services.