What is a potential risk of tanning without sufficient protection?

Tanning without sufficient protection significantly increases the risk of sunburn and skin damage. The skin's outer layer absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause immediate effects like sunburn, leading to redness, pain, and peeling. Over time, repeated exposure to UV rays can cause more severe skin damage, including the risk of developing skin cancers and premature aging. Protecting the skin effectively minimizes these risks by blocking or absorbing harmful UV rays, thereby reducing the likelihood of burns and long-term damage such as wrinkles, leathery texture, and other signs of aging.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of inadequate tanning protection. Increased melanin production, for instance, is a natural response to UV exposure but can lead to uneven skin tone rather than providing adequate safety. The notion of reduced risk of skin aging and more even tanning results contradicts the established understanding of UV radiation effects.