How does UV radiation affect skin cells?

UV radiation has a significant impact on skin cells primarily through its ability to damage DNA. When ultraviolet radiation penetrates the skin, it can lead to mutations in the DNA of skin cells. These mutations can disrupt normal cellular functions and contribute to skin aging, the development of skin cancers, and other skin disorders.

While UV radiation does have other effects, such as increasing melanin production to protect against further damage (which relates to why some individuals get tanned), the central concern regarding safety and health primarily revolves around its DNA-damaging capacity. The body does attempt to repair this damage, but if the damage is extensive or frequent, it can overwhelm the repair mechanisms, increasing the risk of malignancy.

Understanding the effects of UV radiation on skin cells is crucial for developing protective measures, such as the use of sunscreen and protective clothing, to mitigate the potential long-term consequences of skin exposure to UV light.