What type of radiation can cause permanent damage to your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is known to be a significant factor in causing permanent damage to skin cells and increasing the risk of skin cancer. This type of radiation comes primarily from sunlight but can also be emitted by artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV radiation is categorized into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC, with both UVA and UVB being the most harmful to the skin.

UVA radiation penetrates deeply into the skin and contributes to premature aging and the development of skin cancer. UVB radiation is primarily responsible for causing sunburn and plays a crucial role in the formation of skin cancer. Overexposure to these types of radiation can lead to mutations in the DNA of skin cells, which ultimately increases the likelihood of developing various skin cancers, including melanoma.

In contrast, infrared radiation is primarily felt as heat and does not possess enough energy to cause the cellular damage associated with skin cancer. X-ray radiation, while a form of ionizing radiation that can lead to cancer, relates more often to internal biological effects rather than direct skin damage. Visible light radiation, although it can cause some minor effects, is not associated with the types of damage caused by UV radiation. Therefore, UV radiation is the correct choice when discussing risks