Humza Khizer

How To Protect Yourself From Sunburn

Introduction

Ah, sunburn! That all-too-familiar feeling of regret after a day spent frolicking in the sun.&nbsp;There&#39;s nothing quite like that first twinge of pain as you realize your skin is turning a shade of red normally reserved for cartoon lobsters. Suddenly, the breeze that was refreshing just moments ago feels like tiny knives stabbing at your tender skin. And let&#39;s not forget the awkward tan lines that will haunt you for the next week or two.

Despite this, there&#39;s a weird sense of pride that comes with a sunburn. It&#39;s like a battle scar &mdash; proof that you&#39;ve spent time outdoors and had a good time doing it. Of course, the reality is that you&#39;re now going to spend the next few days slathering yourself in aloe vera and avoiding anything that might rub against your poor, sunburnt skin. 
&nbsp;

Understanding Sunburn Protection: What You Need to Know

Sunlight is made up of three main categories of electromagnetic radiation: UV, visible light, and infrared. UV radiation is the one most related to photoaging and skin cancer.

UV radiation can be further categorized into UVA, UVB, and UVC. 95% of the solar radiation that reaches Earth&#39;s surface is UVA and 5% is UVB. Although UVC rays have the maximum energy, they are completely absorbed by the ozone layer. 
&nbsp;

While exposure to UV radiation can cause skin cancer, sunburn, tanning, and photo-aging, exposure to UVA and UVB rays, in particular, can harm the skin by changing how the immune system functions.

Several variables affect how much UV light reaches Earth&rsquo;s surface, including:

<ul>
	<li>UVB radiation is more intense in summer than it is in the winter, and it is most intense between 10 am and 4 pm.</li>
	<li>People who live nearer to the equator are exposed to more UV radiation.</li>
	<li>Snow, sand, and metal reflect up to 90% of UV light, while fog, haze, and pollution can reduce UV levels by 10-90%2.</li>
	<li>Sun protection factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen product protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun&#39;s UV radiation. It indicates the amount of UVB radiation that a sunscreen can filter out, and the higher the SPF, the greater the level of protection. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Sunburn is an inflammatory response to UV radiation damage to the top layers of skin. Melanin, the pigment that gives your skin color, is also responsible to protect it from the sun&#39;s rays.

Your genetics control how much melanin you generate. The more your skin is exposed to the sun without protection, the more your body will produce melanin, and the more it will darken your skin.

A term to understand here is &#39;photoaging,&rsquo; which is the premature aging of the skin caused by repeated exposure to the sun&#39;s UV radiation. Over time, UV radiation damages the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin, causing it to lose its elasticity, firmness, and suppleness. This is how your skin gets its wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and a leathery, rough texture, and why some people burn from the sun while others merely tan.

Both sunburn and tan are indicators of skin cellular deterioration. If your body produces less melanin, it means you have less protection from the sun. If you get sunburn, your skin will turn red, puffy, and painful, depending on how mild or severe the condition is.

Sunburn symptoms frequently develop after your body&rsquo;s exposed to the sun for a few hours. The top layer of the damaged skin may peel off within a few days as the body begins to recover itself. Healing from a severe sunburn can take several days. 
&nbsp;

Note:&nbsp;You should never attempt to remove the skin on your own; let it come off naturally1. You can apply antiseptic lotion to the newly exposed skin to reduce the chance of any infection. Any persistent changes in skin tone will usually disappear with time<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>Any exposed body part, including the lips, scalp, and earlobes, is susceptible to sunburn.</li>
	<li>If your clothing has a loose weave that lets UV light through, even covered parts can burn.</li>
	<li>The eyes can burn as well because they are very sensitive to UV rays from the sun. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

Signs and symptoms of sunburn include:

<ul>
	<li>It&rsquo;s harder to discern inflammation on brown or black skin. However, white skin turns pink or red.</li>
	<li>Skin feels hot or warm to the touch.</li>
	<li>The affected area feels painful and tender to touch.</li>
	<li>Sunburn triggers painful itching as well.</li>
	<li>The affected skin swells up and small, fluid-filled blisters, which tend to break, appear.</li>
	<li>In case of severe sunburn, headache, fever, nausea, and fatigue may also be experienced.</li>
	<li>The eyes will feel painful. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

A person with a severe sunburn may faint or fall into shock. They may experience:

<ul>
	<li>Dehydration</li>
	<li>Weakness</li>
	<li>Low Blood Pressure 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Note: See your healthcare provider in case of a severe sunburn. 
&nbsp;

<h5>IMPORTANT!</h5>

Remember, the skin damage caused by sunburn is permanent, despite the transient nature of the symptoms. Seek IMMEDIATE medical assistance if:

<ul>
	<li>You start experiencing redness and pain. The pain is usually at its peak 6-48 hours after a burn.</li>
	<li>A sunburn&#39;s symptoms match those of other skin disorders. Therefore, consult your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

In Australia, the early stages of sunburn appear as early as 11 minutes after exposure to the sun. All types of sunburn, whether severe or mild, can cause irreparable damage to your skin, which can lead to skin malignancies. Moreover, your risk of skin cancer will only increase with more sun exposure.

Every year, skin cancer claims the lives of almost 2,000 Australians5. According to a study, 1 in 2 sunburn cases seen at Victorian emergency departments during the summer of 2019&ndash;20 were children and adolescents aged 0-19 years<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>.

Also, skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, makes up the majority of cancer diagnoses in Australia each year. In fact, melanoma is currently the third most prevalent cancer diagnosed in Victorians between the ages of 15 and 29<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

Your sun exposure reduces by 20% on a cloudy day<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. However, as a precaution, you should still avoid being around snow, water, sand, or concrete materials, especially at higher altitudes because they reflect the sun&#39;s rays and the intensity of UV rays only increases with height.

Here are 7 ways to prevent sunburn: 
&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>Don&rsquo;t Go Out In The Sun Between 10 A.m. And 4 P.m. Try to plan outside activities for times other than these when the sun&rsquo;s rays are weaker. Or, if you are unable to do that, limit your time spent in the sun and prefer standing in shade. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Avoid Sun Tanning And Tanning Beds. A base tan doesn&#39;t decrease your risk of sunburn. Even if you do use a self-tanning product, make sure to use sunscreen as well before stepping out. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Use Sunscreen Often. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen product protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. It indicates the amount of UVB radiation that a sunscreen can filter out; the higher the SPF, the greater the level of protection. But you cannot apply just any sunscreen; for greater protection, follow these instructions: 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<ul>
	<li>Even on cloudy days, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and water-resistant, broad-spectrum lip balm. While broad-spectrum products will protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays and SPF 30 will block around 97% of UVB rays, keep in mind that no sunscreen can completely obstruct UVB radiation from the sun<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.</li>
	<li>Apply sunscreen generously to clean, dry skin at least 30 minutes before you go outside. All exposed skin surfaces, except the eyelids, should be covered with at least 2 tablespoons, or 1 ounce, of sunscreen.</li>
	<li>If you&rsquo;re using spray sunscreen, keep it away from flames. To avoid inhaling it, spray it onto your hands and then rub it onto your skin.</li>
	<li>Moreover, if your sunscreen has any physical blockers (such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide), use it over any other products you are wearing except for insect repellent. Physical blockers are highly effective for sensitive skin.</li>
	<li>Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours; apply more frequently if you&#39;re swimming or perspiring. Use an SPF powder over makeup if you&#39;re wearing makeup and want to reapply sunscreen without redoing your entire face.</li>
	<li>According to FDA regulations, all sunscreens must maintain their initial potency for at least 3 years. Always check the labels of sunscreen products for expiration dates and storage instructions. If the sunscreen you have is expired or older than three years, throw it away<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ol start="4">
	<li>Protect Babies And Toddlers. Brimmed hats and light clothing that covers the arms and legs are effective sunburn-prevention measures for infants and young children. It&rsquo;s best to keep the kids out of the sun. 
	Also, keep them hydrated. If that&rsquo;s not possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises covering the face and backs of the hands with sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15. However, both the FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology do not advise sunscreen for infants younger than 6 months<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cover Yourself Up. In addition to sunscreen, additional outdoor accessories, like wide-brimmed hats or umbrellas, can provide coverage. An article of dark clothing with a tight weave provides extra protection. If possible, use outdoor gear that&rsquo;s designed to provide sun protection. You can check how well a fabric blocks sunlight by checking the UV protection factor (UPF) mentioned on its label; the higher the UPF value, the better. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Wear Sunglasses. Buy UVA and UVB-protective eyewear. Again, check the label for UV rating whenever you purchase new sunglasses. Darker lenses don&rsquo;t necessarily offer better UV protection. Also, make sure your sunglasses fit close to your face. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Be Aware Of Sun-Sensitizing Medications And Cosmetics. Some popular prescription and over-the-counter medications increase skin&#39;s sensitivity to sunlight. E.g., certain antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals like ibuprofen, and cholesterol-lowering medications. Always discuss the side effects of the medications with your doctor<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
	Similarly, cosmetics with alpha-hydroxy acids make people more sensitive to the sun<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

If you get a sunburn, the only treatment is time and patience. While the body heals itself, you make sure to:

1.Drink lots of water because exposure to the sun can induce sunburn and dehydration.

2.Apply cold compresses gently, or take a cool water bath, to soothe the area.

3.Use soap cautiously or avoid it altogether because it can irritate your skin. 
&nbsp;

Sunburn may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can lead to long-term damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. Stay safe and smart in the sun, folks! 
&nbsp;

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Sunburn is an inflammatory response to UV radiation damage to the top layers of skin.</li>
	<li>The more your skin is exposed to the sun without protection, the more your body will produce melanin, and the more it will darken your skin.</li>
	<li>Photoaging is the premature aging of the skin caused by repeated exposure to the sun&#39;s UV radiation.</li>
	<li>UV radiation is the one most related to photoaging and skin cancer.</li>
	<li>People who live nearer to the equator are exposed to more UV radiation.</li>
	<li>Sun protection factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen product protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun&#39;s UV radiation.</li>
	<li>Any exposed body part, including the lips, scalp, and earlobes, is susceptible to sunburn.</li>
	<li>A person with severe sunburn may faint or fall into shock. They may experience dehydration, weakness, and low blood pressure.</li>
	<li>Every year, skin cancer claims the lives of almost 2,000 Australians.</li>
	<li>Melanoma is currently the third most prevalent cancer diagnosed in Victorians between the ages of 15 and 29.</li>
	<li>While broad-spectrum products will protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays and SPF 30 will block around 97% of UVB rays, keep in mind that no sunscreen can completely obstruct UVB radiation from the sun.</li>
	<li>According to FDA regulations, all sunscreens must maintain their initial potency for at least 3 years.</li>
	<li>You can check how well a fabric blocks sunlight by checking the UV protection factor (UPF) mentioned on its label; the higher the UPF value, the better.</li>
</ul>