Damage from UV Light Exposure
Even the youngest of individuals can appear prematurely aged because of sun damage. Photoaging is the damage inflicted through excessive exposure to the sun and other forms of Ultra Violet (UV) radiation. UV exposure may seem to help lessen eruptions of acne and lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation by camouflaging it with a tan, but UV light can significantly damage your skin. This includes indoor tanning equipment as well as UV from the sun. UV light exposure destroys the skin's collagen and elastin supply. UVA light is more responsible for photo-aging than UVB radiation. Remember, the "A" in UVA stands for aging, but UVB isn't much better.
Your body reacts to excessive UV light by producing a thicker layer of skin cells in an attempt to protect your body from the UV exposure. Tanning or even minimal UV light exposure is contraindicated with many acne medications. Many acne medications can cause increased photosensitivity when used, so check with your prescribing physician.
Symptoms of excessive UV exposure include freckles, dark or light patches, thinning skin, wrinkles or an otherwise unhealthy, muddled appearance. You may think you look good with a tan now, but the long term effects are not worth it. Self tanner creams or gels are a safer and less expensive way to go in the long run. I quit tanning in 2000 and have used sunless tanners ever since.
