Many people want to have a beautiful, bronze complexion but they are also aware of the danger that overexposure to UV rays can cause. On this page we are going to talk about some of the potential health problems that can be caused by getting too much sunlight and we will also go over the benefits of tanning lotions and skin care for people that are on a quest for the perfect tan.

Types of Damage That the Sun Can Cause

A golden brown tan may be beautiful, but when you get a tan, it is your skin’s response to getting too much sunlight. Overexposure to ultraviolet light can also cause a number of skin problems.

Too much ultraviolet light can cause wrinkles and premature aging of the skin. According to an article on webmd.com more than 80% of the signs of aging skin that adults experience are caused by tans that they had when they were teenagers. Ultraviolet light damages elastin in the skin and when those fibers breakdown, skin will begin to stretch and sag, losing its elasticity.

Another sign of premature aging is something known as age spots or liver spots. Age spots are not caused by age or getting older, they are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light over the years. In addition to age spots and freckles, overexposure to sunlight can also cause an uneven skin tone and irregular pigmentation.

Of course one of the most serious problems that can be caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light are the various types of skin cancer.

Be Careful with Lotions That Accelerate Tanning

Some suntan lotions are designed to help you get tan faster. Getting tan faster just means that your skin is being damaged more quickly. If you use a lotion that accelerates tanning, make sure you limit the amount of time you spend exposed to ultraviolet light. Getting a nice tan may help you look great now, but in a decade or two you will see the damage that has been done.

Tanning Lotions and Skin Care Products Can Help Prevent Some of Those Problems

Some tanning lotions contain ingredients like essential oils, vitamins, antioxidants and other ingredients that help nourish your skin and help prevent the types of damage mentioned above. Tanning lotions and skin care products can help rehydrate your skin which is very important because exposure to ultraviolet light can easily dry out your skin.

Some tanning lotions also have an SPF value like you would find in sunscreen. The higher the SPF, the more protection you will get from ultraviolet light. Lotions with an SPF value prevent UV rays from penetrating your skin and causing the types of damage we’ve been talking about. A tanning lotion with an SPF may not allow you to get a suntan as quickly as you would if you were not wearing any protection, but if you like to spend time outdoors you will need the extra protection to prevent overexposure.