Besides the immediate effect of sunburn, over time excess ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer, eye damage, immune system suppression, and premature aging.
Skin type is the most important factor in determining a person's risk for skin cancer.
Skin types range from those individuals that burn easily and never suntan to those who do not burn at all. Some individual characteristics that are risk factors for skin cancer include fair skin, blue, green, or hazel eyes, light-colored hair, tendency to burn rather than suntan, history of severe burns, many moles, freckles, a family history of skin cancer. Even people with dark complexions can get a sunburn. No one is exempt from the possibilty of getting skin cancer or other serious health problems from the sun's UV rays. The level of UV radiation that reaches the earth's surface is dependent on several factors.