Sunburn, as the name suggests, refers to the burning of skin due to exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Our skin has an inbuilt mechanism to protect us from these harmful rays; however, if the exposure is severe, this protective mechanism can fail, leading to the burning of skin cells and inducing DNA damage. Consequently, repeated sunburn increases the chances of developing skin cancer. But how does the skin react to the sun? Let us find out!

What Are the Various Stages of Sunburn?

One unique aspect of sunburn is that it doesn’t show up immediately. Your skin initially tans, then enters an inflammatory stage, which can sometimes lead to blisters, followed by a healing process.

Immediate Tanning:

Your skin attempts to protect itself at the microscopic level by secreting melanin, which helps absorb harmful UVB rays. This is why individuals with wheatish to dark skin often notice their skin darkening upon sun exposure. Unfortunately, fair skin lacks a natural reserve of melanin, making it more vulnerable to UVB rays, which can damage the DNA of skin cells. Fair-skinned individuals might not realize they are getting burnt while in the sun because no evident changes occur until this stage. If sun exposure ceases at this point, you might notice only mild redness and discomfort that may heal in 3-5 days with little intervention.

Redness and Swelling:

If you continue to bask in the sun, redness, swelling, and pain may develop within the next few hours. This indicates that your skin has suffered enough damage for your body to launch a defense mechanism in the form of inflammation. At this stage, you can ease your sunburn with anti-inflammatory interventions such as steroids and paracetamol, as detailed in my article, How To Heal Sunburn – 10 Steps Guide From Dermatologist.

Blisters:

If you persist in sun exposure despite redness and pain, blisters may appear, accompanied by severe pain and a burning sensation. Do you deserve to end up in such a painful and uncomfortable state? Be aware that prolonged sun exposure can lead to symptoms of heat exhaustion, including vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue. Your skin sends warning signals: first, it darkens, then turns red, and finally develops blisters; it’s up to you to decide when to terminate sun exposure!

Healing:

A minor sunburn usually resolves within 3-7 days, often followed by skin peeling. However, moderate to severe sunburn can take much longer to subside. Sunburn leads to the death of many skin cells, which are shed from your skin in the form of flaking or peeling. At this stage, steroids or anti-inflammatory medications are no longer effective. Instead, you can apply a generous amount of coconut oil or a moisturizer with skin-identical moisturizing factors, such as Cetaphil Restoraderm Lotion, to accelerate the shedding process.

Delayed Tanning:

Once healed, sunburn may leave pigmentation, especially in individuals with darker skin tones, or freckles in those with lighter skin tones.

Skin Cancer:

Yes! Repeated sunburn increases the risk of developing skin cancer, particularly if you experience it during childhood or adolescence.

By understanding these stages and taking preventive measures, you can protect your skin from the damaging effects of sunburn and its long-term risks.