UVB rays are the most common cause of sunburn. Effects of UV Radiation Unprotected and prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancers. It can cause premature aging of the skin, including undesirable changes in texture, a leathery appearance, wrinkling and alteration of pigmentation such as skin spots or old age spots. People with fair or lightly pigmented skin that freckles easily are at greatest risk from UV rays, but even dark-skinned people are not immune. Tanning There is no such thing as a healthy tan.
Tanning is the skin's biological response to injury.
Whether from the sun or an artificial source, long range effects on the skin are the same. Short, intense bursts of UVA rays such as those found in tanning beds, and blistering sunburns increase the risk of melanoma. Tanning Beds and Tanning Lamps Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds and tanning lamps, expose our bodies to UVA rays. The average 15-30 minute visit to a tanning salon is equal to an entire day at the beach. The sun is hottest and strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.