What is a sunburn?

You might wonder: what exactly is a sunburn and how does it happen? It’s a valid question, considering you’ve probably suffered through a few sunburns in your lifetime.

Quite simply, sunburns are your skin’s defensive reaction to ultraviolet radiation: UV-A and UV-B rays to be specific. The third type of ray, UV-C, could be the most dangerous of all, but it’s completely blocked out by the ozone layer and doesn’t reach the earth’s surface.

Those of us with darker complexions have higher levels of melanin, which helps protect the skin by converting UV light to heat. When you’re fair skinned, your body doesn’t produce the melanin necessary to protect you from the sun’s death rays, causing your cells to die. In turn, your body reacts by sending blood to the affected areas, which accounts for your newfangled lobster glow.

Don’t let cool cloudy weather fool you. You can’t feel UV rays – the heat from the sun comes from infrared rays, which can’t burn you. This is why you can still burn on days that are overcast.

How to treat a sunburn

• Act fast to cool down by dipping in a pool or the ocean but make it brief as to not extend your time in the sun

• Moisturize while your skin still damp, but make sure your lotion is not oil- or petroleum-based as it can trap in the heat and exacerbate the burn

• Decrease the inflammation by taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin

• Replenish your fluids by drinking extra liquids, including water and sports drinks that help to replenish electrolytes, immediately and while your skin heals

• See your doctor if you have severe blistering over a large portion of your body, or if you’re experiencing chills or feel woozy

How do you avoid sunburns?

To avoid damage from the sun, slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30 spf or higher and reapply it every hour. Try wearing protective clothing, a hat with a wide brim, and sunglasses. Also, keep an eye on the UV index: the higher the number, the stronger the UV, and the less time you should be out in the sun. The sun’s rays are typically strongest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.
What are the long-term effects?

We all know that exposure to too much UV radiation can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Too much UV radiation can damage the genetic material (the DNA) in your skin cells. If enough DNA damage builds up over time, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer. One study reveals that getting sunburn, just once every 2 years, can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer.

And for the record, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. It’s in your best interest to embrace an outdoor skincare regimen that will keep your skin healthy all year round.

Sources and Citations
Cancer Research UK. How the Sun and UV Cause Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-the-sun-and-uv-cause-cancer
How to Prevent a Sunburn. Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-a-Sunburn
Skin Cancer Foundation (May 27, 2016). 5 Ways to Treat a Sunburn. Retrieved from https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/five-ways-to-treat-a-sunburn
Zainab Mudallal (June 4, 2015). There’s a Real Reason Some People Get Sunburns and Others Don’t. Retrieved from https://www.elitedaily.com/life/actually-happens-body-get-sunburn/1054488

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