As we head to the end of the current century, among the many interesting social phenomena to be identified is that of the aging of the so-called baby boomer generation. The demographic bulge in the population has been studied for years. But the baby boomers are aging. At present writing, one person in the United States turns 50 years old every 8 seconds. As this group reaches their half-century mark, the problem of aging appearances has never been more in the forefront of consumer awareness.

One of the most interesting medical conditions that now afflicts the entire baby boomer generation is photoaging. With the increase in post–World War II leisure time, the increasing availability of automobile and air travel, and an increased emphasis on fitness and outdoor activity, the baby boomers spent their formative years out in the sun, without the benefit of currently available sunscreens. Early years of using baby oil and iodine to tan, less clothing, and the oxymoronic desire of the physically fit to acquire a “healthy tan”<sup>36 Vail Smith K., Felts W.M. Sunbathing: College students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of risks J Am Coll Health 1993 ;  42 : 21-26  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> have produced steadily increasing rates of skin cancer and prematurely aged skin.<sup>15 Gilchrest B.A. Actinic injury Annu Rev Med 1990 ;  41 : 199-210  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 22 Kligman L.H. Photoaging. Manifestations, prevention, and treatment Clin Geriatr Med 1989 ;  5 : 235-251

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 32 Prawer S.E. Sun-related skin diseases Postgrad Med 1991 ;  89 : 51-54 59–61, 64–66.

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 35 Taylor C.R., Sober A.J. Sun exposure and skin disease Annu Rev Med 1996 ;  47 : 181-191

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 39 Young A.R. Cumulative effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin: Cancer and photoaging Semin Dermatol 1990 ;  9 : 25-31

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Although there are intrinsic aging factors, such as gravity, and certain external factors that have no relationship to ultraviolet exposure,<sup>3 Bhawan J. , e al. Photoaging versus intrinsic aging: A morphologic assessment of facial skin J Cutan Pathol 1995 ;  22 : 154-159  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 38 Yaar M., Gilchrest B.A. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of cutaneous aging J Dermatol Surg Oncol 1990 ;  16 : 915-922

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> cumulative sun exposure remains the largest culprit in aging skin and is responsible for most of the unwanted aesthetic effects.<sup>11 Drake L.A. , e al. Guidelines of care for photoaging/photodamage. American Academy of Dermatology J Am Acad Dermatol 1996 ;  35 : 462-466

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 20 Kaminester L.H. Current concepts. Photoprotection Arch Fam Med 1996 ;  4 : 289-295

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup>