What is a common effect of the outer skin thickening process during tanning?

When the outer skin thickening process occurs during tanning, the skin responds by developing a thicker outer layer, primarily as a protective mechanism against the effects of UV radiation. This process is known as tanning or hyperpigmentation, where the skin cells produce more melanin and the outermost layer of skin, the stratum corneum, becomes more robust.

This thickening results in the skin becoming tougher and harder, which is an adaptive response aimed at providing increased protection from sun damage. The body essentially reinforces the skin barrier to fend off further UV exposure and potential harm. The process also helps in minimizing sunburn risk by increasing the skin's resilience.

Understanding this can clarify why other options may not apply in this context. For instance, skin becoming fragile or losing moisture does not represent the body's adaptation to sun exposure but would indicate a compromised skin barrier. Similarly, skin becoming translucent would not align with the thickening and fortifying response typical during tanning.