Effects of Sun Exposure on the Skin.

Lines, wrinkles and sagging are the direct result of sun damage to the underlying collagen and elastin fibers. Hyperpigmentation can be caused or exacerbated by sun irritation to the melanocytes (the pigment producing cells), which in turn causes overproduction of melanin, which is in fact the body’s attempt to protect itself. Add in hypopigmented macules, telangiectasias and raised, rough precancerous actinic keratoses (the most common skin precancers) and the result of tanning is not pretty.