A generation ago, sunburn was almost encouraged and people believed a suntan was a sign of ruddy good health. Many of us who experienced this attitude to sun worship in childhood are now suffering from the results of that sun loving life style. We've actually known for a long time about the damage too much sun can do to exposed skin and now scientists also know much more about the long term and unseen UV radiation effects. It is common knowledge that a sunburn is a sign of deep damage to the skin and that sun tans are not healthy.