Sunlight Can Cause Many Wrinkles

Many wrinkles that appear as people get older are caused not only by time, but also by the Sun. Ultraviolet radiation—especially UVA, which reaches deeper into the skin—gradually damages collagen fibers and disrupts the structure of elastin.

This process is called photoaging, and it builds up throughout life. Skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight usually ages much faster than parts of the body that stay covered most of the time.

One simple way to slow this process is to limit UV exposure, not only while tanning but also on ordinary sunny days. Sunscreen with an appropriately high SPF, skin-covering clothing, shade, and avoiding intense sunlight can help. Using sun protection for years may help prevent skin cancer and may also mean fewer dark spots, wrinkles, and other signs of photoaging later on.