What is a potential effect of UV exposure on human skin?

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure can lead to significant changes in the skin, among which sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer are notable potential effects. When the skin is subjected to UV radiation, it can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to inflammatory responses such as sunburn, which manifests as redness, swelling, and pain.

Prolonged or excessive exposure to UV radiation is also a major risk factor for skin cancer. The damage caused by UV radiation can lead to mutations in the skin cells, and over time, these mutations can accumulate and contribute to the development of malignant growths, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. This elevated risk emphasizes the importance of protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure through measures like sunscreen application, protective clothing, and seeking shade.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the effects of UV exposure on the skin. Increased collagen production and enhanced skin elasticity would generally be associated with controlled sun exposure or other interventions, and immediate skin whitening is not a typical response to UV exposure; rather, the skin may darken temporarily as a protection mechanism (tanning) or be damaged, leading to a darker appearance. Thus, the focus on sunburn and skin cancer makes the selected