Avoiding The First Summer Sunburn
As the weather shifts and more sunshine is out, people often end up with the first sunburn of the summer without even thinking about it. A day out hiking or yard work on the first warm day can leave shoulders sore and skin peeling. The sun’s harmful rays should not be underestimated, and even a severe burn can leave skin more vulnerable to skin cancer. Instead of wishing you had covered up, lathered on sunscreen, or protected the kids at a playdate, take precautions now. Hit the store and stock up on bug spray and sunscreen so you have some on hand when you decide to spend time outdoors. It is best to have small containers in the car, the beach bag, and in other locations where you may find yourself wishing you had some protection. Carrying a hat in the car or a lightweight long-sleeved shirt goes a long way when you decide to go for a walk at lunch or plan to spend time outdoors.
Skip the High UV Windows
Contrary to what social media posts say, it is not a good idea to get your base tan for the summer by starting with a burn. Sunburn damages skin cells, which can cause problems and permanently affect the skin. Whether you think you tan easily or can’t burn at all, the sun’s rays are powerful and affect everyone, whether light or dark-skinned. Although the argument exists that everyone can get Vitamin D from being in the sun, the amount of sun you actually need is minimal. In the case of the sun being good for you, more is not better for you. In fact, the opposite is true. Too much sun can bring on early signs of aging and increase the chances of getting skin cancer.
A sunburn is not just your skin turning red. It’s actually your body reacting to cell damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When skin is exposed to sunlight without protection, UV rays penetrate the outer layers of the skin and can damage the skin cells’ DNA, which the body identifies as an injury. Shortly after, the immune system sends extra blood to the damaged area to help repair it. That increased blood flow is what causes the redness, warmth, and swelling that people notice after being in the sun too long. The pain from sunburn happens because the damaged skin releases chemicals that irritate nerve endings. That’s why even light touches, like clothing or bed sheets, can feel uncomfortable.
The Sunburn Peel
When skin peels following a sunburn, it is trying to shed the dead and damaged skin cells. Dead skin cells clog pores, and as new skin cells are coming to the surface, the skin is even more vulnerable to sun damage. Even a non-blistering sunburn causes damage below the skin’s surface. A severe blistering sunburn can cause scarring and create infections as the skin is open, as it sheds the dead skin cells. Sometimes medical treatment is necessary, whether to treat the pain or keep skin from becoming infected as it heals.
Don’t Let the Clouds Fool You
Even with the knowledge we have about UV rays today, many people don’t think sunscreen is necessary on cloudy days. This is not true, and even short trips outdoors and time spent driving or sitting by a window can cause damage over time because of being unprotected. When the sun rays don’t feel intense, we get lured into this false sense of not needing sunscreen, but it is better to have a daily habit of using products with sunscreen to ensure your face is protected. Many people who spend lots of time in the car during the summer often laugh about the uneven tan lines, but this is not anything to be taken lightly. If this is happening, wearing a lightweight long-sleeved shirt is the best way to protect skin that is repeatedly exposed.
What Sunburns Actually Mean for Skin
When a sunburn occurs, whether on light or dark skin, there can be permanent damage to the skin’s cells. Repeated sunburns and continual disregard for using sunscreen can result in early signs of skin cancer, as well as premature aging and depleting elasticity of the skin. Skin can also become sensitive over time, and sun damage does build up. One sunburn after another may not seem that serious today, but over time, this can have serious health effects.
Today, there are so many skincare products that have sunscreen in them. Men and women, young and older, everyone should be mindful of protecting their skin when they leave the house every day. Some people require more protection than others, including those who work outdoors or spend lots of time outside during the day. If you have questions about sunscreen, skincare, and skin cancer screenings in Atlanta, contact Buckhead Dermatology today for an appointment.