A biohacker who has expressed a desire to ‘live forever’ has shared his insight on a factor he believes contributes to an older appearance, and it’s a departure from his usual recommendations.
Bryan Johnson is engaged in a comprehensive and intense experimental medical program aimed at ‘reversing aging,’ which he refers to as ‘Blueprint.’
His endeavors include following a rigorously structured diet and even using his son’s blood, all with the goal of maintaining a youthful condition.
At the age of 48, Johnson has previously claimed his radical experiment has resulted in him having the ‘heart of a 37-year-old’ and the ‘lung capacity of an 18-year-old.’
In a video released on YouTube in 2024, Johnson offered his perspective on ‘how to not look old,’ which includes some relatively straightforward advice compared to his typical stringent routines.
Johnson stated: “A tan is a sign your skin is damaged. The sun is good, of course, for many reasons; it increases vitamin D, it can improve mood, and it can help with sleep.”
“But it can cause collagen damage, and it can also lead to cancer.”
The biohacker also mentioned that sun exposure can cause ‘saggy skin,’ which becomes damaged and can accelerate the development of wrinkles and discoloration over time.
Johnson advised that the best time to be outside is when the UV index is below three, typically early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
He recommended avoiding the sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, when its rays are most intense. This advice applies even on cloudy days, in winter, and at higher altitudes.
For those who cannot avoid high UV levels due to outdoor work, Johnson suggests using sunscreen with reliable UV protection, wearing a hat, or utilizing a UV umbrella.
Excessive sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Skin cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers in the US, with the American Academy of Dermatology Association estimating that one in five Americans will develop the condition during their lifetime.
According to the SCF, sunburn not only speeds up skin aging but is also a primary factor in most cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
In addition to the increased risk of cancer, there’s also the possibility of experiencing severe sunburn, known as sun poisoning, which can include symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, headache, and blistering.