How does the sun cause skin damage?
Sun exposure can cause serious skin damage, premature aging and skin cancer. Sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) radiation are the primary cause of non-melanoma skin cancers affecting over one million Americans each year. Using broad spectrum sunscreens, wearing protective clothing and avoiding sun exposure during peak intensity can help prevent skin damage.UV RadiationUV radiation is part of the sun’s light spectrum that reaches earth. UV radiation is broken down into three categories: UVA, UVB and UVC rays. UV radiation is an identified human carcinogen and can lead to skin cancer by causing genetic mutations in the DNA of skin cells.UVA RaysUVA rays pass easily through the ozone layer and penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. The rays are responsible for causing most signs of premature aging including wrinkles and age spots. UVA rays account for most of a person’s lifetime UV exposure and cause cumulative damage over time. Once considered safer than UVB rays, scientists now know th
