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RESEARCH LINKS UVA LIGHT TO SKIN DAMAGE SCHAUMBURG, IL (October 28, 1998) -- Ultraviolet A (UVA) light, the type of light used in tanning beds, causes skin photoaging which can lead to wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer according to new research. Scientists discovered that when human skin is exposed to UVA light, it creates the oxygen radicals that are responsible for premature photoaging of skin, as well as damaging DNA, suppressing the immune system and causing some respiratory problems.
The research, which appeared in the September 1998 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was conducted by John D. Simon, Ph.D., and Kerry M. Hanson, Ph.D.
The focus of the study was trans-urocanic acid (t-UA), a molecule found in the top layer of the skin. At one time, t-UA was considered to be a natural sunscreen because it absorbs ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Drs. Simon and Hanson used a cutting-edge technique called photoacoustic spectroscopy to discover that t-UA creates oxygen radicals when exposed to UVA.
"The wavelength range of the UVA that Drs. Simon and Hanson used in their research (320-400 nanometer wavelengths) is two to three times the amount of UVA in normal sunlight, but typical of the UVA radiation in tanning beds," said Rex Amonette, M.D. of the University of Tennessee in Memphis and past president of the American Academy of Dermatology. "For many years we have seen the negative effects of tanning, especially tanning beds, on the skin of our patients. Now we have scientific evidence that the radiation in tanning bed lights leads to the type of skin damage that causes skin cancer."
Dr. Amonette's research on tanning beds found that UVA light has short-term side effects that range from skin redness to itching to dry skin to nausea. Long-term effects include the development of skin cancers, photoaging, rashes from the interaction of the UVA and common medications, or even cause unusual diseases like polymorphic light eruption.
Indoor tanning involves bombardment of the skin with UVA light. Tanning beds are often advertised as a safe alternative to tanning under the sun because of the lack of UVB radiation. Scientists now understand that UVA is as responsible as UVB in photoaging of the skin and many other conditions. UVA has a longer wavelength than UVB, penetrating deeper into the skin to cause damage to its elastic fibers.
Natural skin aging is commonly characterized by a thinning of the skin and a deepening of the normal facial expression lines. Photoaging is distinguished by coarse wrinkles, inelasticity and discoloring. These changes, related to long-term exposure to the sun, are considered indications for a person's risk of developing skin cancer. While more than 50% of a person's lifetime exposure to ultraviolet light generally occurs before age 18, it may take decades before the visible signs to photodamage appear. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone take daily steps to limit sun damage including:
1. Wear protective clothing, including hats
2. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 for daily use
3. Limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily
The AAD is the largest medical society representing physicians who specialize in treating conditions of the skin, hair and nails.
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