We’ve all been there—spending too much time in the sun without enough protection, only to end up with red, painful skin that eventually peels. But have you ever wondered what’s really happening to your skin during a sunburn? With up to 90% of visible skin aging caused by UV exposure, a sunburn isn’t just temporary discomfort—it’s a warning sign of deeper, long-term damage. Let’s break down what causes sunburn, how it affects your skin at the cellular level, and how you can protect and care for your skin moving forward.

What Is a Sunburn?

A sunburn is the skin’s reaction to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, most commonly from the sun. UV radiation damages the both RNA and DNA molecules in skin cells, triggering an inflammatory response. The result? Red, inflamed skin that’s warm to the touch. This damage can occur after just 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, depending on your skin type and the strength of the sun’s rays.

Why Does Your Skin Turn Red?

The redness associated with sunburn is your body’s way of increasing blood flow to the damaged skin. This process, called vasodilation, sends more blood and immune cells to the area to repair the damage caused by UV radiation. This repair response not only addresses damage to DNA but also mitigates harm to RNA molecules, which play a role in triggering immediate inflammation. The immune response also leads to inflammation, which is why sunburns can feel tender or painful.

Why Does Sunburned Skin Peel?

You may have noticed that a few days after a sunburn, your skin starts to peel — this is called desquamation. It's your body’s way of shedding the damaged cells that are no longer healthy. Damaged RNA and DNA within these cells signal the body to remove them, as keeping them could increase the risk of mutations and potential skin cancers. By peeling, your body is trying to rid itself of cells that have sustained too much UV damage.

What Does a Severe Sunburn Look Like?

A severe sunburn goes beyond redness and discomfort, often causing visible and potentially serious symptoms. Signs of a severe sunburn include:

Blisters: Painful blisters filled with fluid may develop on the skin, signaling deeper damage to the skin layers.
Swelling: The affected areas can become swollen and tender to the touch.
Deep Redness or Purple Discoloration: In some cases, the skin may turn a deeper shade of red or even purple, indicating significant inflammation.
Fever or Chills: Severe sunburns can cause systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or nausea.
Intense Pain: The skin may feel extremely sensitive and painful, even to light touch.
Peeling and Cracking: As the burn heals, the skin may peel in large sheets or crack, exposing raw, sensitive layers underneath.

If you experience these symptoms, especially fever, chills, or nausea, it’s important to seek medical attention. Severe sunburns can lead to complications like dehydration or infection if blisters become open wounds.

How Sunburns Can Lead to Skin Cancer

While your body’s natural response is to get rid of damaged cells, repeated sunburns increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Every time your skin burns, UV radiation alters both RNA and DNA in your skin cells. Over time, these changes accumulate and can lead to abnormal cell growth.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, five or more sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of developing melanoma. This is why it's crucial to protect your skin — not just during beach vacations, but every time you’re exposed to the sun.

After Sunburn Care: What to Do When You Get a Sunburn

Sunburns can be uncomfortable and damaging, but the right care can make a big difference in soothing your skin and promoting healing. If you find yourself with a sunburn, here are practical steps you can take to minimize discomfort, protect your skin, and help it recover as quickly as possible:

Get Out of the Sun Immediately: As soon as you notice a sunburn, find shade or go indoors. Staying out of the sun will prevent further damage to your already sensitive skin.
Cool Your Skin: Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath to help reduce the heat in your skin. You can also use a cool, damp cloth as a compress on the affected areas. Avoid using hot water, as it can worsen the inflammation.
Moisturize Right Away: Gently apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Look for products containing aloe vera or soy, which can help soothe burned skin. Avoid products with alcohol, retinoids, or fragrances, as these can further irritate your skin.
Stay Hydrated: Sunburn draws fluid to the surface of the skin and away from the rest of your body. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your skin recover faster.
Avoid Further Irritation: Wear loose, soft clothing that doesn’t rub against your sunburn. Avoid tight or rough fabrics, as these can irritate your skin and make the healing process more uncomfortable.
Take Pain Relief if Needed: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help reduce inflammation and ease the pain of a sunburn. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions.
Don’t Peel or Pick: As tempting as it might be, avoid peeling or picking at your skin. Let the damaged skin naturally slough off to avoid scarring and further irritation.
Use Aloe Vera or After-Sun Lotions: Applying aloe vera gel or specialized after-sun lotions can provide additional relief and hydration to your sunburned skin. These products often contain cooling ingredients that help soothe and promote healing.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most sunburns heal within a few days, some can cause more severe reactions. If your sunburn is accompanied by blisters, fever, chills, or dizziness, you should seek medical attention. Severe sunburns can also lead to dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids if you’ve been sunburned.

How to Prevent Sunburn

Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a sunburn. Here are a few ways to protect your skin:

Wear Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Cover Up: Clothing with a UPF rating can block UV rays from penetrating your skin, providing constant protection without the need for reapplication.
Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when UV radiation is strongest.
Wear a Hat and Sunglasses: These accessories help shield your face, scalp, and eyes from harmful UV rays.

The Bottom Line: Protecting Your Skin for the Long Term

A sunburn isn’t just a temporary inconvenience—it's a sign that your skin has sustained significant damage. Over time, repeated sunburns increase your risk of skin cancer, making sun protection a vital part of your daily routine. By using sunscreen, wearing UPF clothing, and staying in the shade, you can protect your skin and prevent the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Live well under the sun!

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