Tanning may trigger skin ageing: study

Heading to the beach to get a beautiful tan? Think again, as radiation from the Sun or tanning sessions hasten skin ageing in the long run, a new study has warned. Environmental factors can damage the skin in multiple ways, from UVB rays causing sunburns and uneven pigmentation to UVA and infrared radiation penetrating more deeply into the skin to damage existing collagen and reduce collagen production, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin.

"Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and indoor tanning beds not only can increase your risk of skin cancer but also can contribute to skin ageing," said Arianne Shadi Kourosh, of Massachusetts General Hospital in the US.

"Moreover, other forms of radiation, such as heat and visible light, can negatively impact the skin, as can pollution, so protecting your skin from the environment can benefit both your health and appearance," said Kourosh.

Habitual UV exposure can cause blood vessels to become more prominent, causing skin redness, while visible light and pollution can cause uneven skin tone, especially in darker skin types, researchers said.

"Since both types of UV rays can damage the skin, it is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection, with an SPF of 30 or higher" Kourosh said.