UV radiation and skin damage
All skin cancers and AKs are linked to excessive exposure to UV radiation.
Sunlight comprises about five per cent UVB and 95 per cent UVA. UVB radiation is responsible for direct DNA damage and the redness and inflammation of sunburn. UVB is also required for synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin, causes indirect DNA damage and is responsible for the ageing effects of sun exposure, including sagging and wrinkling.
Older people and people who had frequent episodes of sunburn as children are believed to be at higher risk of developing skin cancers because they have had longer to collect potentially cancerous changes in their skin.
