Here’s What Happens to Your Skin When You Get a Sunburn
Summer’s here and the sun is out shining bright in full effect!
But did you know? Time out in the sun may do more harm than the eye can see. Spending a day, or even a few hours, outside in the sun can be good for the soul but can really affect your skin. There are some benefits of spending time outside in the sun:
- The bright light helps keep your circadian rhythm in check.
- Being outside among the fresh air can increase your energy levels and even improve digestion.
- Sunny rays may brighten your mood.
However, if you’re not careful about protecting your skin, too much sun exposure may cause lasting damage to your skin.
Here are answers to common questions about sunburns:
Why does skin turn red when you get a sunburn?
“When your body is exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it damages the epidermis, the outer layer of skin,” says says Jamal Saleh MD, a PIH Health dermatologist in Whittier. Once this happens, the body’s immune system kicks into gear, dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow to the damaged area so it can heal. According to Dr. Saleh, this causes the redness and inflammation experienced with a sunburn.
Why do you sometimes get blisters when you get a sunburn?
If you get a bad sunburn, you may notice this blistering happening to your skin. Don’t pop the blisters. These blisters actually help to shield your damaged skin while it heals. Popping them may not only increase the time it takes for your skin to heal but can also increase your risk for infection.
Why does your skin peel after getting a sunburn?
As your body regenerates new healthy skin to replace the skin damaged from a sunburn, the old skin may peel off. “As with blisters, it’s best to let your body heal according to its own timetable, so don’t try to pull skin off before it’s ready to peel on its own. It’s best to keep your skin moisturized and let it do its thing,” says Dr. Saleh.
Why do sunburns increase your risk of skin cancer?
When you get a sunburn, the ultraviolet light causes damage to the cells of the skin. Most of this damage is repaired by the body and your skin heals, but sometimes there are skin cells that aren’t fully repaired. These cells may develop mutations that could eventually become cancerous. That’s why the more sunburns you get over your lifetime, the more you increase your risk for skin cancer.
What is the best way to prevent the damage caused by sunburns?
Dr. Saleh says the best way to protect your skin is to avoid overexposure to UV rays by following these tips:
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (that blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going in the sun and reapply every two hours.
- If you get wet, such as from swimming or sweating, reapply more often (and use a waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen).
- Protect delicate skin on your face by wearing sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat.
- Wear UV-protective clothing.
- Avoid the sun when it is at its strongest, between 10 am and 4 pm, and seek out shade when possible.
- Keep in mind that your skin can still get damaged from the sun even when it is cloudy or cool. That’s why it’s a good idea to wear sunscreen every day.
- Avoid using tanning beds.
Sunburns are a leading cause of skin cancer, so it’s best to do what you can to protect your skin from the damage caused by the sun. It’s also a good idea to see a dermatologist regularly so they can check for any suspicious-looking spots or moles that may indicate you have skin cancer.
To learn more about Dermatology at PIH Health, visit PIHHealth.org/Dermatology
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