Planning to get that perfect tan this summer? You may be sending out an early invitation to skin ageing!

New Delhi: Summer season is upon us and we're sure that most people out there are working on the perfect beach body, preparing for some time under the sun to get a beautiful tan, right?

Be that as it may, you may want to give your plans a second thought. A new study has warned that tanning may have long-term negative effects, such as skin ageing.

As per the study, radiation from the sun or tanning sessions hasten skin ageing in the long run. One should also know that there is no such thing as a safe tan. The increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which causes the tan color change in your skin is a sign of damage.

Environmental factors can damage the skin in multiple ways, from UVB rays causing sunburns and uneven pigmentation to UVA and infrared radiation penetrating more deeply into the skin to damage existing collagen and reduce collagen production, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin.

"Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and indoor tanning beds not only can increase your risk of skin cancer but also can contribute to skin ageing," said Arianne Shadi Kourosh, of Massachusetts General Hospital in the US.

"Moreover, other forms of radiation, such as heat and visible light, can negatively impact the skin, as can pollution, so protecting your skin from the environment can benefit both your health and appearance," said Kourosh.

Habitual UV exposure can cause blood vessels to become more prominent, causing skin redness, while visible light and pollution can cause uneven skin tone, especially in darker skin types, researchers said.

"Since both types of UV rays can damage the skin, it is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection, with an SPF of 30 or higher" Kourosh said.

(With PTI inputs)