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Sunburns | Do You Smell Something Cooking?!
That’s exactly what I said during our most recent Royal Caribbean cruise adventure, haha! Our cruise just docked in the Bahamas and we were off to a private island excursion; highly recommend snorkeling at Pearl Island! We took a private boat with our group and made our way to the island. Once we got there, we had about 30 minutes to put our things away, grab a life vest for the quick snorkeling guide, and grab some water. Within these 30 minutes, I made a big mistake…
For some reason, I decided I wanted to get “color” from this vacation; proof that I was on a cruise to show the world; boy, did I get color! Instead of using the appropriate sunscreen for the skin-burning sun, I decided to use SPF 15 (sun protection factor 15) that included tanning oil in it… My husband strictly advised against this… but I was dead set on getting that “color” I mentioned earlier. Sun protection factor 15, tanning oil, and no reapplication… long story short, both of us were boiled lobsters, aching from pain every time we moved in bed, put on clothes, and simply moved.
It wasn’t just the pain that was bad, nor was it the added stress put on our first real vacation together, it was also the “sun poisoning” diagnosis we got from our lovely doctors. Constant nausea for about a month, skin peeling for weeks on end, and random spikes in fever/temperature. Sunburns are the real deal!
You see, sunburns aren’t just an inconvenient result of enjoying the great outdoors; they can actually wreak havoc on your long-term health. What might seem like a harmless day of fun in the sun can lead to premature aging, damaged skin, and even skin cancer. That’s why it’s crucial to know the ins and outs of sunburns, including how sunburns happen, how to prevent sunburns, and how to treat sunburns if you do get a little too “crispy.”
Sunburns | How Do You Get a Sunburn?
How do you get a sunburn? How did I get sunburnt? The most obvious answer is, sun exposure without the correct method of prevention, duh… Technically that is the answer, however, what exactly is cooking my skin and what is sunscreen doing to prevent sunburns in the first place? It’s not actually the sunshine or the heat of the sun that we need to be worried about, but it’s actually the sun’s invisible weapon known as ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Sunburns are the result of overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These invisible rays can damage our skin cells, causing painful burns, and in some cases, long-term health issues. There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
- UVA rays: These rays make up about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface. They can penetrate deep into our skin, causing premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. UVA rays are present all year round and can even penetrate through clouds and glass.
- UVB rays: Responsible for around 5% of the UV radiation that reaches us, UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburns. They damage the outer layers of our skin and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are strongest during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) and in the summer months.
- UVC rays: Luckily for us, UVC rays don’t make it to the Earth’s surface, as they’re absorbed by the ozone layer. However, they are the most dangerous of the three types, so it’s a good thing we’re protected!
Dangers of Sun Exposure
To fully understand the dangers of sun exposure, I am going to ask you to put on your scientist lab coats to make this information a bit more “a peeling.”
When ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrates our skin, it damages the DNA in our skin cells. Our body responds by increasing blood flow to the affected area, causing the telltale redness, warmth, and inflammation we always experience with sunburns. This is our body’s attempt to repair the damage, but unfortunately, repeated sunburns and excessive sun exposure can lead to these long-lasting consequences:
- Sunburn: When our skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it can cause an inflammatory response known as sunburn. This is characterized by redness, pain, and sometimes swelling. Sunburns can range from mild to severe, with the most severe cases involving blistering and even second-degree burns.
- Premature aging: Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UVA rays, can lead to premature aging of the skin. This is known as photoaging and includes symptoms such as wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and a loss of skin elasticity. The damage occurs because UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for keeping our skin firm and supple.
- Skin cancer: Prolonged exposure to both UVA and UVB rays contributes to the development of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. UV radiation can cause mutations in the DNA of our skin cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of cancerous tumors. Melanoma, in particular, is known to be aggressive and can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early.
- Eye damage: Our eyes are also sensitive to the harmful effects of UV radiation. Excessive exposure can lead to conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyes. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection is crucial for safeguarding our vision.
- Weakened immune system: Surprisingly, UV radiation can also impact our immune system. It can suppress our body’s natural defenses, making us more susceptible to infections and reducing the effectiveness of vaccines. This weakening of the immune system may also contribute to the development of skin cancer.
- Photosensitivity: Some people have an increased sensitivity to UV radiation due to certain medications, medical conditions, or genetic factors. This heightened sensitivity, known as photosensitivity, can result in more severe sunburns, rashes, or other skin reactions when exposed to the sun.
Will all of these things happen the second you get a sunburn? Absolutely not! But it is important to be vigilant and to understand the role sunscreen plays in keeping us healthy, beautiful, and radiant!
Sunburns | How to Prevent Sun Exposure
Let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their summer days hiding indoors or nursing a painful sunburn. So, here’s how to protect your precious skin from those stealthy rays.
A. Sunscreen: Your BFF in the battle against sunburns
Slathering on sunscreen is a non-negotiable when it comes to sunburn prevention. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Fear not, I’ve got you covered (pun intended).
- Broad-spectrum protection: Make sure your sunscreen provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels that say “broad-spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection.”
- SPF matters: Opt for a sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30. This blocks about 97% of UVB rays. SPF 50 offers slightly more protection, but anything above 50 doesn’t make a significant difference.
- Water resistance: If you’re planning on swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Remember, no sunscreen is completely waterproof, so reapply after taking a dip or working up a sweat.
- Application tips: Apply your sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure, and don’t skimp on the amount – use about an ounce (a shot glass full) for your entire body. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
B. Protective clothing and accessories: Fashion meets function
Sunscreen is fabulous, but it shouldn’t be your only line of defense. Amp up your sun protection game with these stylish and functional wardrobe additions:
- Hats: Wide-brimmed hats are not only a chic accessory but also offer excellent shade for your face, neck, and ears. Bonus points for hats with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating!
- Sunglasses: Protect your peepers with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Plus, they’ll make you look like a mysterious celeb trying to avoid the paparazzi.
- Clothing: Invest in clothing with built-in UPF protection, or simply wear tightly woven fabrics in dark colors to help block UV rays. Long sleeves and pants are your friends when it comes to sun protection.
C. Seeking shade and avoiding peak sun hours
When the sun is at its fiercest (usually between 10 am and 4 pm), it’s best to seek shade or plan indoor activities. If you must be outdoors, try to find a shady spot or create your own with a beach umbrella or pop-up canopy.
D. Special sunburn prevention tips for specific situations
- Beach days: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to often-missed spots like your feet and the backs of your knees. And remember that sand and water can reflect UV rays, so reapply sunscreen more frequently.
- Hiking adventures: Take breaks in shady spots, wear a hat, and consider wearing long sleeves and pants to protect against both the sun and pesky insects.
- Sporting events: Whether you’re a player or a spectator, be prepared with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and a portable shade source, if possible.
Sunburns | How to Treat Sunburns
Despite our best efforts or lack thereof (like in my case), sunburns can still happen. Maybe you missed a spot with your sunscreen, or perhaps the sun’s rays were just too darn strong. Whatever the case, it’s essential to recognize the signs of a sunburn and know how to treat it, so you can get back to enjoying your fun in the sun as soon as possible.
A. Signs of a Sunburn
- Redness: The most obvious sign of a sunburn is red, inflamed skin. This redness usually peaks between 12 to 24 hours after sun exposure and can last for several days.
- Pain and tenderness: Sunburned skin can be quite painful, especially when touched or exposed to heat. This pain is typically most intense during the first 48 hours after sun exposure.
- Swelling: In some cases, sunburns can cause swelling, particularly in more severe cases or if the burn covers a large area of the body.
- Sunburn Blisters / Sun Blisters: Severe sunburns can cause fluid-filled blisters to form on the skin. These blisters can be painful and are at risk of infection if not treated properly.
- Peeling: As your skin heals, it may begin to peel, revealing new, more sensitive skin beneath.
B. Sunburn Treatment: Soothing the Sting and Speeding Up Recovery
If you find yourself sporting a not-so-trendy sunburn, don’t fret! Here’s a step-by-step guide to treating your sunburn and getting your skin back to its happy, healthy self.
- Cool down: Take a cool bath or shower to help soothe your skin and reduce inflammation. Avoid using hot water, as this can make your sunburn feel worse.
- Moisturize: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel to your sunburned skin. This will help to hydrate your skin and reduce peeling.
- Drink up: Sunburns can be dehydrating, so make sure to drink plenty of water to help replenish your body’s fluids.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with sunburns. Be sure to follow the label instructions and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
- Protect your skin: Keep your sunburned skin covered and out of the sun while it heals. Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid further irritation.
- Don’t pop blisters: If your sunburn has caused blisters, resist the urge to pop them. Popping blisters can increase the risk of infection and slow down the healing process.
- See a doctor if necessary: If your sunburn is severe, accompanied by fever, chills, or severe pain, or if it shows signs of infection (such as pus or increased redness), consult a healthcare professional.
With these sunburn treatment tips in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to bounce back from even the most stubborn sunburn. But remember, prevention is always better than cure!
Sunburns | Sun-Kissed, not Sunburnt
Phew! I may be a little sunburnt from staring at the computer screen for so long, writing all of this information, haha. Hmm… bluelight article coming soon?
In all seriousness, I truly hope you are able to take something away from this article: sunburn prevention, sunburn treatment, or, better yet, what not to do on a cruise! Next time you have plans involving the sun, remember, the key is to become sun-kissed, not sunburnt. The best way to accomplish this is by practicing sun safety – lather up with that broad-spectrum sunscreen, rock your stylish protective gear, and always be mindful of the sun’s peak hours. By taking these precautions, you’ll not only avoid the discomfort of sunburns but also protect your skin from long-term damage and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
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