Sun-induced aging. Clinical and laboratory observations in man.

ABSTRACT

Chronic sun exposure can result in numerous changes in human skin, particularly the skin of fair-skinned individuals. These changes include wrinkling, elastosis, actinic keratoses, irregular pigmentation, telangiectasia, and skin cancer. Most of these alterations had formerly been considered to be caused by UVB wavelengths, which are the wavelengths probably most responsible. However, a number of recent studies have demonstrated that UVA can also cause burning, elastosis, and skin cancer. Thus, individuals exposed to intense UVB from sunlight coupled with intense UVA from suntan parlors are likely at increased risk.