What is considered the most damaging type of UV exposure according to experts?

Intermittent sunburns are considered the most damaging type of UV exposure because they indicate intense bursts of UV radiation that can overwhelm the skin's ability to repair itself. This kind of exposure often leads to significant DNA damage in skin cells, increasing the risk of mutations that can result in skin cancer later in life. Burned skin not only results in immediate pain and inflammation but can also lead to long-term consequences, including premature aging and a higher likelihood of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.

While continuous UV exposure can be harmful as well, it often occurs at lower intensities, which may cause less immediate damage compared to the sudden spikes associated with intermittent sunburns. Sunbathing without sunscreen and indoor tanning also pose risks, but the unique characteristics of intermittent sunburns make them particularly perilous in terms of the long-term damage they inflict on the skin’s cellular structure.