Our skin responds to sunlight, more especially to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, in two different ways: sunburn and suntan. They vary in appearance and impact on the condition of our skin, however. A tan is your skin’s attempt to protect itself from further harm, but a sunburn is what occurs when your skin becomes irritated from too much sunshine.
What exactly is sunburn?
Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to excessive UV radiation, particularly UVB radiation. A sunburn causes your skin to get red, sting, and sometimes swell. Additionally, you can encounter blisters, peeling, or itching. Sunburns may damage the DNA in your skin cells, increasing your chance of developing skin cancer like melanoma and hastening the aging process of your skin.
What is a Tan?
Your skin attempts to defend itself against UV radiation, particularly UVA rays, by developing a suntan. Specialized cells called melanocytes increase the production of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color, as your skin tans. Melanin stretches out and absorbs UV radiation to shield your skin cells from damage. You can reduce your risk of becoming sunburned somewhat by getting a tan, but not entirely. While tanning may temporarily improve the appearance of your skin, spending too much time in the sun may harm your skin and increase your chance of developing skin cancer. Your skin type is essentially the determining factor in tanning.
Lighter skin types are more vulnerable to sunburns because they have less melanin, which determines skin color. While those with darker skin have more melanin, which makes them more prone to tanning and less prone to burns. Additionally, some individuals may be more sensitive to the sun and less prone to tan if they have certain skin problems or are taking certain drugs. Read more about best tanning oils and their brand reviews.
How to remain protected from the sun
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to provide the optimum UVA and UVB protection for your skin. We suggest tinted mineral sunscreens for persons with darker skin tones because the iron oxide they contain shields the skin from other wavelengths of light that may cause hyperpigmentation and other conditions that are frequent in people with darker skin. Skin cancer and sunburns are still possible for those with darker skin tones. The majority of individuals applaudable apply sunscreen with just around a fifth of the recommended thickness.
Apply one ounce, or the equivalent of a shot glass, of sunscreen to all exposed skin to provide adequate protection. She advised applying a spray a few inches away from the area and then rubbing it in with your hands. Additionally, the majority of individuals don’t reapply sunscreen nearly often enough. Even if the sunscreen is waterproof, you should reapply every hour if you’re swimming, getting wet, or perspiring. Every two hours, if you’re not getting wet, you should reapply. Additionally, the A.A.D. advises wearing apparel with a UV protection factor, or UPF, label. Sunscreen, hats, beach umbrellas, sunglasses, and automobile windows that are tinted are all beneficial.
Does a Sunburn Become Tan?
Sunburn and suntan are two distinct skin reactions to exposure to the sun that occur for various causes. The straightforward response—though maybe not the one you’d want to hear—is that, sometimes, a tan can develop after a sunburn. Your skin may get tanned while your sunburn heals as the additional melanin becomes more apparent and the redness fades. However, this isn’t always the case, and it’s important to realize that both sunburns and tans are indications that your skin has been damaged.
How Are Sunburn and Tanning Distinct?
Purpose: The skin’s built-in protection against UV deterioration is tanning. Sunburn, on the other hand, is a symptom of skin cell deterioration brought on by UV exposure.
Melanin Production: Tanning causes the body to produce more melanin, which darkens the skin and shields it from UV rays. Sunburn is caused by damaged skin cells rather than enhanced melanin synthesis.
Skin Reaction: Tanning causes the skin to gradually darken, which may provide some degree of protection against more UV exposure. Redness, discomfort, and peeling from a sunburn indicate acute skin injury.
Time of Exposure: Prolonged and moderate sun exposure results in tanning. Sunburn happens after prolonged and severe exposure to the sun’s rays, often during its peak hours.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, sunburn and tanning are two distinct skin reactions to UV light. Melanin is produced during tanning, which serves as a defense mechanism against future UV damage and eventually darkens the skin. Contrarily, sunburn is caused by excessive UV exposure and results in acute skin cell destruction, along with redness, discomfort, and peeling. To prevent sunburn and possible long-term damage, it’s critical to find a balance between enjoying the sun sensibly to develop a good tan and shielding the skin from dangerous UV rays. To preserve healthy skin, don’t forget to use sunscreen, seek out shade when required, and minimize your time in the sun at the peak of the day.