I'm only 17, so this is not a problem for me now.

I live in Canada, and it's just starting to warm up...anyways, I love being in the sun. By the end of the summer, I look extreemly tanned. I was just wondering, does being in the sun alot really affect the amount of wrinkles you get in the future? what about sunburn? does that really damage your skin too?
Can anyone explain to me what the sun exactly does to your skin to damage it?

And what about different skin colours? I am kinda naturally tanned..so, does that mean that I have less of a chance of getting skin damage from the sun?

Dear Perfectlizard,

A wrinkle is formed by free radical damage. The leading cause of this is radiation which is emitted from the sun. With each exposure to the sun or tanning parlors, etc., this damage penetrates the collagen in your skin, hence a tan. With time the nice plump skin you once had starts to thin deep down below the surface, breaking down these fibers. That's how a wrinkle is formed. The best thing you can do for your skin to keep it beautiful and with a minimum of wrinkles, is to wear a good sun-block of at least SPF 15 or 30, a hat with a big wide brim, and don't bake in the sun. Instead get yourself a good self- tanner lotion if you want to look golden brown! I hope I answered your question!!!

yep, you answered my question. Thanks!