WORRIES about sun exposure has sent most of us reaching for the fake tan in recent years.

But of you thought that would keep the wrinkles at bay, we’ve got some bad news.

While sun damage has a terrible effect it seems the artificial glow can also cause aging.

Whether it’s a gradual build up from a bottle, or a salon spray on, experts believe  faking it can cause skin damage.

It’s all to do with the way the lotions and potions actually turn us brown

The process – known as the Maillard reaction –  means the chemicals in the tan reacts with your skin’s outer layer, turning the cells brown.

But at the same time this causes the skin to suffer “oxidative stress – an imbalance in which interferes with the cells’ ability to detox and repair themselves.

Dr Stefanie Williams, of London’s Eudelo skin clinic, told Mail Online: “We don’t know the long-term effects.

“They may be insignificant, but oxidation is linked to ageing and disease.”

To make matters worse the tans often contain the chemical DHA, which scientists believe can be harmful to the lungs.

The main danger here is inhalation, so the bottled cream or mousse varieties would be a better bet than a salon spray tan.

Experts agree that, so far, the long term effects of fake tan are inconclusive, so there is no need to bin the summer look just yet.

But it won’t hurt to limit the bronzing and ditching the permatan to be on the safe side.