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The rays that burn

Ultraviolet radiation is the sun’s invisible “burning” rays that can cause skin cancer. Excess exposure to UV light can damage the DNA in skin cells and increase the risk for melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer; 80 percent of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, mist and fog. There are three types:

UVA rays: Deeply penetrate the skin’s layers; maintain the same intensity the entire year; contribute to premature skin aging, wrinkling and sunburn.

UVB rays: Are the primary cause of sunburn, skin aging, skin cancer and cataracts; are shorter but stronger than UVA rays; are more intense during the summer months and at higher altitudes; some rays are absorbed by ozone layer.

UVC rays: Are the strongest and most dangerous; normally filtered by the ozone layer and do not reach the Earth.

Sources: American Cancer Society, American Academy of Dermatology, http://www.melanoma.com.