What two factors that increase skin damage?

• A. temperature and humidity
• B. wavelength and skin pigment
• C. exposure duration and lighting
• D. skin moisture and age

Answer: (B)

Skin damage from UV radiation depends on two main factors: the energy of the light (set by its wavelength) and how much pigment is in the skin to absorb that energy. Shorter wavelengths carry more energy per photon, so UVB and the more energetic end of the spectrum have a greater potential to cause damage like burns and DNA injury. Melanin, the pigment in skin, absorbs UV radiation and helps protect cells; more pigment means more protection, while less pigment provides less shielding and increases damage risk. So, the combination of shorter wavelength UV light and lower skin pigment leads to greater skin damage.