Ageing in the sun parlour

Photoageing of the dermis was often ascribed to chronic sun exposure. By contrast, it was traditionally thought that a tanning bed was not harmful. However, recent evidence suggests that UVA could contribute to the risk of skin cancers. Furthermore, UVA could affect the dermal structures and modify their physical properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of iterative sunbed irradiations upon the tensile properties of skin. A computerized suction devise was used to derive measures of skin extensibility, elasticity and hysteresis. The skin colour was assessed using the so-called individual typology angle (ITA degrees ). The longitudinal study consisted of quarterly measurements performed over 5 years in two groups of 20 women who frequented or did not use tanning salons. Frequent UVA suberythemal irradiations for indoor tanning induced skin slackness corresponding to an increase in extensibility and hysteresis and to a parallel reduction in elasticity. Variations in the two latter rheological parameters were correlated with ITA degrees values. It is concluded that the unremitting frequentation of a sun parlour fuels a functional decline of the dermis resembling premature ageing.