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The Suns Effect on the Skin & Sun Protection

If you love the outdoors, chances are you've been burned a time or two.

We've all heard how damaging the sun's effect on the skin can be, particularly the ultraviolet rays. With skin cancer topping the charts it's become a huge topic of concern to be sure you provide maximum sun protection for your skin.

With the increased ozone layer and other environmental hazards, your skin is more vulnerable that it has ever been.

Over-exposure to the sun is dangerous. Its ultraviolet rays account for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging or worse yet, skin cancer.

Most of the damaging effects of sun burn or photoaging occurs before the age of 20, which means that the sun received before your are 20 years old does the most damage. This is why it is especially important to keep kids protected from the sun.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun causes destruction of the outermost lining of the skin (epithelium) as well as damage to the deeper structures. Collagen is a substance that provides a supporting framework for the skin, however as we age, collagen decays, and wrinkles occur. UV radiation greatly accelerates this process and causes small breaks in the DNA of skin cells. This damaged DNA can cause a cell to ultimately form skin cancer.

Spotting of the skin can depend on the type of skin you have and the amount of sun exposure you have received.

Beware of tanning spas. Contrary to popular belief, they are NOT safe. Tanning beds do emit radiation, just like the sun, and they can still cause UV damage.

If you have sun damaged skin, chances are you've had too much sun during your lifetime. If you find it difficult to avoid the sun, then keep covered up and use a sunscreen that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. The SkinStore has some excellent options for the best available.

If you happen to like the look of a good sun tan, then protect your skin from further damage by using sunless tanning products.

If you've got a bad burn, check here for sun burn remedies.

Sunless Tanning

If you enjoy the look of a sun tan, first stop and think about the suns effect on the skin, but don't despair, there have been huge advances in sunless tanning products and you can easily maintain that sun toned healthy look without the effects of the sun's harmful rays.

A good product won't streak, run or cause an orange look. In fact I use sunless tanners all year round. I especially like the way they give my skin a smoother look. The dark spots I've gotten from getting too much sun are diminished by using a sunless tanner.