Why do we get Sunburns?
Many of us have been there. We LOVE the sun, especially during those first days of spring when the days start to warm a bit and we are returning to the outdoors after a long winter.
Every day, but especially after our skin hasn't seen the sun for many months, it's extra important to protect our skin from the damaging UV rays of the sun.
During the first 2 decades of our lives, our skin has tremendous exposure to the sun: we are often outdoors swimming, playing sports, hanging with friends. So it's really critical that we are protecting our skin during our childhood and teens.
Being out in the sun is good for us! Getting sunburns are not. Read below to find out a bit more about sunburns and how to protect your skin.
What are the different types of sunburn?
When the skin is exposed to UV rays, it can mount an inflammatory response as a reaction to the UV damage. This inflammation can range from a mild pink appearance to a deep red to blistering of the skin.
Sunburns are categorized according to the degree of the burn. First degree sunburns are the most common, manifesting as pink or red skin as an immediate result of UV exposure. The damage is confined to the upper part of the epidermis, which is the top layer of the skin. When a sunburn progresses to blistering or superficial scabbing, this constitutes a second degree burn; this occurs when the UV damage extends through the epidermis, causing it to "lift off" from the dermis below and form a blister. In my practice, I most commonly see second degree burns on the chest, shoulders and nose. First and second degree burns cause damage to the skin cells, and cumulative damage over time can cause precancers and skin cancers. They typically do not scar, but can result in freckles or sunspots over time. Third degree sunburns are extremely rare but involve the epidermis and dermis. Because the damage extends to the dermis, third degree burns scar the skin.
What causes sunburn?
Sunburn is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. This exposure can occur via direct exposure to UV rays from the sun, UV rays in a tanning bed or from an ultraviolet light source, or reflected UV rays that bounce off of surfaces such as water, sand, snow, or concrete. UV rays can penetrate through clouds. A large percentage of UVA rays can also penetrate through glass whereas the majority of UVB rays are blocked by glass.
What risk factors exist for sunburn?
Having fair skin is one of the main risk factors for sunburns as individuals with lighter skin types lack the inherent melanin levels in the skin that can protect against UV exposure. Although individuals with fair skin are especially susceptible to sunburns, we see sunburns in darker skin types as well. When skin is not adequately protected by hats, clothing, sunscreen, or other barriers, it is at risk for sunburn. I recommend to my patients daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher with UVA/UVB protection, and reapplication every 2 hours.
The UV index is another risk factor to take into account. The UV index varies depending on the time of day, geographic location and the season. Skin is more susceptible to sunburn when the UV index is high, but sunburns can occur in all seasons, at variable time of the day geographic locations.
It's important to be aware that sunburns may not show up on the skin until hours after sun exposure and can continue for a day or more after last exposure. By then, the damage is already done. Prevention, with sunscreen, protective clothing and hats, and sun avoidance during peak sun hours (10am-3pm in most locations) is key.
Protecting your skin from sunburn
Daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, UVA/UVB protection, is first-line in prevention of sunburns. Applying sunscreen in adequate amounts (approximately 1/2 teaspoon for face and neck, a full 1 oz shot glass for full body) is important to provide adequate protection. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours when outdoors as sun exposure can break down the active sunscreen ingredients and sweat/water can wash sunscreen off of the surface of the skin. The best sunscreen for you is the one that works with your skin and that you are going to be consistent in applying each day. Sun protective measures such as avoidance of sun during peak hours (10am-3pm), wide-brimmed hats and sun-protective clothing are very helpful.
For best results, use a mineral sunscreen, such as the Bright+Block sunscreens. Why are these the best sunscreens for teen skin? They are broad spectrum (protect against UVA and UVB rays from the sun), hydrating, and sheer. We love how our Bright+Block's glide effortless over the skin and never pill or clump.
Consistently ranked among the best facial sunscreens for teens, our Bright+Blocks work beautifully on their own or under makeup. Plus, our tinted Bright+Block SPF 44 has iron oxide pigments that protect against blue light.
I hope that this information is helpful to you. Let's make it a goal to NEVER HAVE A SUNBURN! Enjoy your time outdoors, but be smart, and stay BRIGHT!
Angela Casey MD, Double board-certified Dermatologist and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon
