The Power of the Sun on Your Skin

Our sun, the only star in our solar system, is a life-giving force that promotes plant growth and supplies us with light and energy, but too much of a good thing can quickly turn unpleasant. Sit out in the middle of day without protection and you’re likely to get a sunburn.
In South Florida, where year-round sunshine is part of the allure, sunburns are unfortunately common. “I see a sunburn once or twice a day, especially during this time of year,” says Ariel Eber, M.D., FAAD, FASDS, a dermatologist with the University of Miami Health System. “But because of where we live, I also see them pretty much all year.”
According to the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Trends Report (2021), 64.4% of high school students reported being sunburned in the previous year, and sunburn prevalence among all adults inched up from 31.8% in 1999 to 33.7%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012).
Sunburns are particularly concerning to dermatologists because they can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. “The UV rays of sunlight create chemical changes in the skin that can lead to DNA mutations,” Dr. Eber says. “This can affect the age of your skin and the chances of skin cancer.”
The sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays also change the skin in other ways. People who have suffered several sunburns may notice more wrinkles, sagging, freckled and discolored age spots, including scaly patches that can be precancerous skin lesions. Eye damage from the sun can lead to cataracts as well.
There are three types of sunburns: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. The classification depends on the layer of skin affected.
First-degree sunburns, the most common, affect the skin’s outer layer, known as the epidermis.
This type of sunburn usually heals within the week, but the symptoms can be painful nevertheless. The skin turns pink or red and is tender to the touch. It turns white when pressed. In some people, you can see the sunburn within 30 minutes. Dr. Eber usually recommends a topical cream such as aloe vera or a gentle moisturizer to soothe the burn. Sometimes, over-the-counter topical steroids are needed. Some first-degree sunburns might cause fever, headache, fatigue, or nausea. In such cases, she suggests an over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil or Motrin and good hydration.
A second-degree burn affects the first and second layers of skin, known as the dermis.
In these cases, a person’s skin is likely to blister, and it takes several days to weeks to heal. A person may also have trouble regulating fluids and temperature after such exposure. If the second-degree burn is in a small area, Dr. Eber suggests treating symptoms with a topical cream and moisturizer, much as you would treat a first-degree sunburn. However, if it involves a large area, “you should seek treatment in urgent care or in an emergency room,” she says. “You may need a medical-grade cure.”
Though rare, a third-degree sunburn damages all skin layers and can even affect nerve endings.
It may give rise to an infection and definitely demands immediate medical treatment.
There are plenty of ways to reduce the skin damage.
“Fortunately we’re moving to a more sunburn-protection mode,” Dr. Eber says, “and there’s plenty of things we can do.”
Wear sun protection at all times.
Dr. Eber prefers mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are considered safe for coral reefs and marine life, and do not absorb into the blood stream. Also make sure to use an SPF 30 or preferably higher during outdoor activities. Remember to reapply every 90 minutes to two hours, especially if spending time in the water. Children can begin using cream-based sunscreen by six months.
Wear protective clothing in addition to sunscreen.
Look for the UPF clothing label.
Use sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Don a hat to protect your scalp.
Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and preferably until 4 p.m.
Try to stay in the shade when playing or working outside. Blonds and redheads as well as people with light-colored eyes, should be extra careful as they are more susceptible to sunburn.
Check the UV index on the weather app on your phone.
This measures untraviolet (UV) radiation – the rays that burn your skin. The number can range from 0 (minimal risk) to 11+ (very high risk). Since these numbers can change throughout the day, it might help you plan outside activities.
Check for photosensitivity if you’re taking medication.
Drugs known to have this side effect include some antibiotics like doxycycline, as well as certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (naproxen), Accutane (isotretinoin), Retin-A (tretinoin), Tricyclic antidepressants. Promethazine (nausea medication), Methotrexate (for autoimmune disorders and cancers), Thiazide diuretics, some antihistamines, Griseofulvin (an antifungal), quinine, Amiodarone (for arrhythmias) and some diabetes meds.
To be safe, always consult with your doctor.
Don’t use any kind of oil-based lotion when out in the sun.
Instead of helping hydrate, it actually speeds up the damage. “I had a case where the patient kept applying Vaseline to her lips, and she ended up with a terrible burn,” Dr. Eber notes.
Be on the lookout for a condition known as phytophotodermatitis.
This is a skin reaction that occurs when sap or juice from certain plants or fruits is exposed to sunlight. Dr. Eber has seen patients who were making cocktails poolside or enjoying one on a cruise, and the droplets of a squeezed lemon or lime ended up on the skin, eventually leading to burns of the skin, which characteristically look brown but can also blister.
Finally, Dr. Eber warns South Floridians not to fall for so-called sun-protection myths making the rounds on social media. Getting a “base tan” in a tanning booth at the start of the season will not protect you from damage. Yet, she has found many who think getting a tan ahead of vacation or time at the beach will help them avoid burning.
“It simply doesn’t work that way,” she says.
Ana Veciana-Suarez is a regular contributor to the University of Miami Health System. She is an acclaimed author and journalist who has worked at The Miami Herald, The Miami News, and The Palm Beach Post.
Tags: Dr. Ariel Eber, sensitive skin, skin care in Miami, sun block, sun exposure, UV damage