I can only suggest that you tan only little now because your hormones have changed during this time. A tan hormone does exist, according to a latest study ( http://geniusbeauty.com/news/tan-hormones/ ), so you may just have less “tan hormones” now. You brother’s hormones didn’t change the way yours did. There are different processes in men’s and women’s bodies.

Melanin is a pigment found in skin and hair, it absorbs harmful UV-radiation and determines the color of hair and skin. Some people have white hair and skin at birth (this means, they have less melanin than darker skinned and haired ones), but they develop their normal skin color with the time. Similar processes took place in your body, but vice versa and not so noticeably.

As for the freckles, I’ve written an article about freckles, you can see it here: http://geniusbeauty.com/cosmetics/how-to-get-rid-of-freckles/, here’s the part you may be interested in:

The color and brightness of freckles, however, depend not only on the color of your hair and skin, but also on how long and intensely your skin is exposed to sunlight.

So, your nose and arms are exposed to sun much more than other parts of your body – and this is logical, as in summer you probably wear t-shirt and your nose is just in the sun more than other face parts.

You’re right, your diet also contributes to your “tanning ability”, the creams and lotions you use on the beach also do, but, I think, the most important part is played by your hormones.

Just follow these tips on how to extend the suntan life after sunbathing: http://geniusbeauty.com/cosmetics/how-to-extend-suntan-life/, use special lotions and eat foods that boost melanin. I think, by now it’s all you can do, the new substance melanotan 1 can’t be bought and used now.

Hope, my comment was somehow useful.

Thanks

Frankly I’m tired of using fake tanning lotions and taking so long to tan! Also, what is strange is that only my arms have freckles and a little on my nose and nowhere else on my body!

I hope you can answer my question as to why I take longer to tan than when I was young and my twin brother tans so well! Perhaps it is my diet. And maybe I should eat the foods you suggested?

Thankyou for taking the time to read my frustrating questions!