Sunburns appear after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To prevent them, hydration and the use of products with a sun protection factor are necessary.
Sunburns not only cause discomfort and pain but can also have long-term effects on skin health. Repeated sunburns can lead to wrinkle formation and the development of skin cancer.
In the following lines, we will present everything you need to know to prevent and treat burns caused by sun exposure.
Table of Contents
What are sunburns?
Sunburns, which can range from mild to severe, occur when the skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds.
UV radiation causes the skin to produce more pigment called melanin to protect itself. For this reason, the skin changes color and becomes darker. When you expose yourself to more UV radiation than the melanin in your skin can handle, a sunburn will form.
The UV radiation that can affect skin health is of two types: UVB and UVA. UVB rays are responsible for the appearance of sunburns and skin cancer, while UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to premature aging.
UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, triggering a defensive response that leads to inflammation, redness, pain, and, in severe cases, the appearance of blisters (serous vesicles) and skin peeling.
The severity of a sunburn depends on the duration and intensity of UV exposure, skin type, and protective measures taken. Although anyone can get sunburned, those with fairer skin are more prone to this risk.
Sunburns are more common in summer when the intensity of UV rays is higher. However, you can also get sunburned in winter. This happens because sunlight reflects off snow, ice, or water and burns the skin.
In addition to the symptoms that appear after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, sunburns can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. They can also, over time, lead to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigment spots, and freckles.
What are the symptoms of sunburns?
Sunburns are the most obvious sign that you've been outside for too long. However, sun damage is not always visible.
At the cellular level, sunburns are associated with microscopic changes in the skin. During this process, new burn-induced cells are formed, and the number of Langerhans cells and mastocytes, which play an essential role in the body's defense, decreases. New cells formed after sunburn can become cancerous.
How quickly a sunburn appears depends on: skin type, the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, and the time spent in direct sunlight.
Sunburns involve inflammation, which leads to erythema (redness) and edema (swelling caused by an excessive accumulation of serous fluid in the intercellular spaces).
After exposure, the skin can become sensitive to touch, irritated, and the affected area will cause pain and itching. Blisters may also appear on the surface of sunburned skin.
Lighter skin can become red, while darker skin becomes browner.
If sunburns are severe, they can be accompanied by symptoms throughout the body. These include:
fever;
chills;
headaches;
nausea and vomiting;
a general feeling of illness.
In extreme cases, it can lead to heat exhaustion or, more severely, heatstroke.
The first symptoms – skin rashes – usually appear 2-6 hours after sun exposure. The peak intensity occurs between 12 and 24 hours after exposure. 4-7 days after exposure, the skin begins to peel.
How to prevent sunburns?
The main way to prevent sunburns is to avoid unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation during peak hours.
Here are some measures you can take to protect yourself from the sun's rays:
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15-30 minutes before going outside. Reapply the product every two hours if you engage in strenuous physical activity and sweat or if you swim.
Avoid the sun when the intensity of UV rays is higher, specifically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you are outdoors, try to stay in the shade under an umbrella, a tree, or an awning.
Wear clothing and accessories that protect your skin from UV rays: long pants, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
Avoid tanning beds that emit UV radiation and can increase the risk of sunburns and skin cancer.
Drink at least two liters of water to keep your skin hydrated. Sun exposure can lead to dehydration.
Moderate sun exposure is necessary for the body to produce vitamin D, but it is essential to take protective measures to avoid sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer.
? Protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation with Ivatherm products!
Sunlight 360° Moisturizing face cream SPF50+ – the first product offering 360° sun protection: UVA, UVB, IR (infrared radiation) for sensitive, dry, and dehydrated skin. It has a hypoallergenic, water and sweat-resistant formula, with a non-sticky texture that leaves no white marks.
Sunlight Mat Dry Touch Fluid SPF50+ – very high sun protection cream for sensitive combination or oily skin. Protects skin cells from the mutagenic effects of UV radiation. It has a light texture, quick absorption, is water-resistant, and leaves no white marks.
Sunlight Mat Tinted Dry Touch Fluid SPF50+ – very high sun protection cream for sensitive combination or oily skin. Offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It is recommended for preventing sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.
Ivapur Anti-shine Fluid with SPF50+ – very high sun protection cream for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Protects skin cells from the mutagenic effects of UV radiation, has a light texture, and leaves no white marks.
How to treat sunburns?
In case of unprotected sun exposure, you can take some measures to mitigate the severity of sunburns:
Avoid sun exposure or other sources of ultraviolet radiation until the wound heals.
Hydrate the skin very well.
Use products with ingredients that soothe the skin, such as aloe vera and Mimosa Tenuiflora.
Apply a cream with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce sensitivity and itching.
Drink enough water to prevent dehydration.
Avoid touching the affected areas.
Wear loose clothing until the sunburns heal.
Sunburns, although they may seem like only a temporary inconvenience, can actually have long-term consequences for the skin. Among the effects of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation are photoaging and skin cancer. Take care of your skin's health and apply a sunscreen every day.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
What are sunburns and how do you prevent them?
Sunburns appear after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To prevent them, hydration and the use of products with a sun protection factor are necessary.
Sunburns not only cause discomfort and pain but can also have long-term effects on skin health. Repeated sunburns can lead to wrinkle formation and the development of skin cancer.
In the following lines, we will present everything you need to know to prevent and treat burns caused by sun exposure.
Table of Contents
What are sunburns?
Sunburns, which can range from mild to severe, occur when the skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds.
UV radiation causes the skin to produce more pigment called melanin to protect itself. For this reason, the skin changes color and becomes darker. When you expose yourself to more UV radiation than the melanin in your skin can handle, a sunburn will form.
The UV radiation that can affect skin health is of two types: UVB and UVA. UVB rays are responsible for the appearance of sunburns and skin cancer, while UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to premature aging.
UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, triggering a defensive response that leads to inflammation, redness, pain, and, in severe cases, the appearance of blisters (serous vesicles) and skin peeling.
The severity of a sunburn depends on the duration and intensity of UV exposure, skin type, and protective measures taken. Although anyone can get sunburned, those with fairer skin are more prone to this risk.
Sunburns are more common in summer when the intensity of UV rays is higher. However, you can also get sunburned in winter. This happens because sunlight reflects off snow, ice, or water and burns the skin.
In addition to the symptoms that appear after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, sunburns can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. They can also, over time, lead to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigment spots, and freckles.
What are the symptoms of sunburns?
Sunburns are the most obvious sign that you've been outside for too long. However, sun damage is not always visible.
At the cellular level, sunburns are associated with microscopic changes in the skin. During this process, new burn-induced cells are formed, and the number of Langerhans cells and mastocytes, which play an essential role in the body's defense, decreases. New cells formed after sunburn can become cancerous.
How quickly a sunburn appears depends on: skin type, the intensity of ultraviolet radiation, and the time spent in direct sunlight.
Sunburns involve inflammation, which leads to erythema (redness) and edema (swelling caused by an excessive accumulation of serous fluid in the intercellular spaces).
After exposure, the skin can become sensitive to touch, irritated, and the affected area will cause pain and itching. Blisters may also appear on the surface of sunburned skin.
Lighter skin can become red, while darker skin becomes browner.
If sunburns are severe, they can be accompanied by symptoms throughout the body. These include:
In extreme cases, it can lead to heat exhaustion or, more severely, heatstroke.
The first symptoms – skin rashes – usually appear 2-6 hours after sun exposure. The peak intensity occurs between 12 and 24 hours after exposure. 4-7 days after exposure, the skin begins to peel.
How to prevent sunburns?
The main way to prevent sunburns is to avoid unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation during peak hours.
Here are some measures you can take to protect yourself from the sun's rays:
Moderate sun exposure is necessary for the body to produce vitamin D, but it is essential to take protective measures to avoid sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer.
How to treat sunburns?
In case of unprotected sun exposure, you can take some measures to mitigate the severity of sunburns:
Sunburns, although they may seem like only a temporary inconvenience, can actually have long-term consequences for the skin. Among the effects of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation are photoaging and skin cancer. Take care of your skin's health and apply a sunscreen every day.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.