Sunlight is essential for life. It helps the body produce vitamin D, improves mood, and supports overall well-being. However, too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can seriously damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Many people assume that sun damage only happens after spending long hours at the beach, but the truth is that harmful UV exposure can build up gradually through everyday activities like walking outside, driving, or working outdoors.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and excessive sun exposure remains one of its leading causes. The challenge is that there is no exact number of minutes that is considered “safe” for everyone. Factors such as skin type, age, location, time of day, and UV index all influence how much sun exposure becomes harmful.