How does the sunlight damage the skin?

Simply put, ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB particularly), be it from the sun or tanning beds, damages the DNA of skin cells.  To make matters worse, the thinning of the Earth’s ozone layer is believed to increase UV radiation levels.  It takes many years before enough microscopic damage accumulates to create wrinkles and other visible signs of skin change.

Government health officials estimate that as much as 75 percent of UV damage occurs before the age of 18.  About 80% of the UVB rays hit the epidermis causing reddening.  Ninety -five percent of the rays hitting the Earth are UVA rays and they easily penetrate the dermis causing premature aging and wrinkles.

Sun block that absorbs both UVA and UVB rays should be applied every two hours.  Layered clothing, glass and dense clouds can minimize UVB rays.  UVA can penetrate cloud cover, light clothing and un-tinted glass.  Both UVA and UVB  rays have been linked to the production of cancer.