The Real Damage That Comes From a Sunburn May Surprise You
If you have ever experienced a sunburn, then you are aware of the pain it causes. When a sunburn fades, you may think the damage is done, but you are mistaken.
Although a sunburn will fade in a few days, it will leave permanent damage. Sunburns damage the skin and increase the risk of several types of skin cancer. Whenever you are in the sun, it is vital to protect your skin.
What Causes a Sunburn?
A sunburn is caused by UVA and UVB rays, which are the two forms of light. When it comes to a sunburn, UVB lights are responsible for the red, stinging skin. The energy produced by UVB light harms the layer of skin that acts as a protective barrier, which causes the top layer of skin cells to die. When you notice your skin peeling, it is a result of the skin cells that have died.
The Dangers of Tanning
Although a tan may not lead to a sunburn, a tan can still cause damage to the skin. When you tan, the UVB light has penetrated a level of the epidermis that has an impact on the pigmenting cells. If these cells detect UVB rays, pigment will be released to surrounding cells in an effort to protect them. However, the pigments aids in protection for the following day. Essentially, when you tan, it is a result of damage to the pigmenting cells. Although the skin attempts to protect itself by distributing additional pigment, skin cells will still die.
UVA light does not cause a sunburn, but it is responsible for wrinkles. UVA light moves through the epidermis to the dermis, which causes damage to the collagen-producing fibroblast. When the fibroblast is harmed, the skin is not able to produce enough collagen to rejuvenate the skin.
Why do Certain Individuals Burn More Easily Than Others?
Your skin type contributes to how easily you burn. There are some individuals who have more pigment than others, so this provides additional protection. In most circumstances, individuals with dark skin will tolerate the sun better, so they will not burn as much as those with light skin. However, it is imperative that individuals with dark skin still take measures to protect themselves from the sun.
The Dangers of the Sun can Lead to Skin Cancer
If you do not protect yourself from the sun, you have an increased risk of developing a number of skin cancers. There are three types of skin cancer; melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Although all types of skin cancer are dangerous and life-threatening, melanoma is the deadliest form as cancer cells can and tend to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma will develop if a pigmenting cell is damaged by the sun’s rays and becomes cancerous. Although carcinomas can spread to other parts of the body, it is less likely. In basal cell carcinoma, the cells of the deepest layer of the skin (basal layer) are affected and in squamous cell carcinoma, the upper layers of the skin are affected.
In order to avoid damage to your skin and increasing the risk of skin cancer, always protect you skin from the sun.