Sunlight, particularly its ultraviolet (UV) component, can damage DNA in the skin cells, increasing the risk of cancer. UV radiation from the sun penetrates the skin and interacts with the DNA in cells, causing changes or mutations in the genetic material. These mutations can disrupt normal cell function, leading to uncontrolled cell growth, which is the hallmark of cancer.
One of the most harmful effects of UV exposure is the formation of thymine dimers, where two adjacent thymine bases in the DNA strand bond together incorrectly. This distorts the DNA structure, leading to errors during DNA replication. If these errors are not properly repaired by the body's natural defense mechanisms, they can accumulate and cause mutations that increase the risk of developing skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Prolonged or intense exposure to sunlight without adequate protection, like sunscreen or protective clothing, can significantly elevate the risk of these mutations and, consequently, skin cancer. This highlights the importance of protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure to reduce the risk of DNA damage and the associated cancer risk.
#sun #skin #sunlight
