UV radiation can have both short-term and long-term effects on the skin. In the short term, exposure can cause sunburn and tanning. Long-term exposure, on the other hand, can lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The skinâs response to UV exposure is influenced by the type and intensity of the radiation, as well as the duration and frequency of exposure.