The Effects of Sun on Your Skin 

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

 or two. We've all heard how damaging the effect of sun is on your skin, particularly the ultraviolet rays.

With the increased ozone layer and other environmental hazards, your skin is more vulnerable than 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 over exposure to the sun received before the age of 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 beds. 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.

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

Check here for sun burn remedies.

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.

Age Spots - Age Spots also known as liver spots or dark spots on the skin can be removed in several ways. Find out what age spot removal and treatments are the best.

Sun Damage Treatments  - Soothing treatments for sun damaged skin

Best Sunless Tanning Option  - Our recommendation for the best sunless tanning product on the market, Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel