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What is the main effect of UVB rays on the skin?

  1. They cause skin aging

  2. They stimulate melanin production

  3. They promote acne

  4. They exfoliate the skin

The correct answer is: They stimulate melanin production

The main effect of UVB rays on the skin is to stimulate melanin production. UVB rays penetrate the skin's outer layer and are primarily responsible for causing sunburn. When the skin is exposed to UVB radiation, it reacts by increasing the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This increase in melanin acts as a natural defense mechanism against further UV damage, providing some level of protection against harmful rays. Other options do not accurately represent the primary impact of UVB rays. For instance, while exposure to UV rays can contribute to skin aging, that is more commonly attributed to UVA rays. UVB rays are not directly responsible for promoting acne or exfoliating the skin; rather, they primarily influence pigmentation responses as a protective reaction to exposure.