Which type of light is most damaging to the skin?

Ultraviolet light is the most damaging type of light to the skin primarily due to its ability to penetrate the skin and cause cellular damage. This form of radiation, especially UVB and UVA, is known to contribute to skin aging, DNA damage, and an increased risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. Ultraviolet radiation directly affects the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations and the overproduction of melanin, which results in sunburn and pigmentation issues.

In contrast, while infrared light can contribute to skin damage through heat and visible light is responsible for some issues like redness or pigmentation, neither poses the same level of risk for long-term skin damage as ultraviolet light does. X-ray light is also damaging but is not typically encountered as a regular part of sun exposure, making ultraviolet light the primary concern in everyday situations related to skin health.