As summer approaches, it’s tempting to start working on a glowing tan.   But it’s important to remember that excess exposure to ultra violet radiation is hugely damaging to the skin. It increases free radical activity in the cell plasma membrane, which releases arachidonic acid, the precursor of numerous pro-inflammatory chemicals including the prostaglandins and Hete’s.  This activates transcription factors such as NF-κB and AP-1.  These in turn upregulate negative genes that produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that damage skin cells.  When transcription factors such as AP-1 are activated, they produce and release collage-digesting proteins (matrix metalloproteinase) resulting in micro-scarring in the deep portion of the skin called the dermis.  The multiple micro-scars lead to macro-scarring and this is known as the ‘birth of a wrinkle.’  So if you’re looking for a wrinkle-free tan, skip or limit your exposure to sun and opt for safer alternatives such as a bronzer or a self-tanner product.

What steps do you take to protect your skin from the sun?