Sunburn, reddening, peeling and even tanning of the skin is clear indication of sun damage. When our skin changes colour due to UV exposure, it’s a visual warning sign that our skin is working hard to defend itself. Damage from UVR is cumulative and irreparable, so If you’ve ever had sunburn and/or you are a tan seeker, you are at greater risk of skin cancer.
Sunburn is bad news at any age and the long-term affects go way beyond the short-term swelling, pain and redness. It dramatically increases the risk of all types of skin cancer and is a leading cause of melanoma – the most serious, life-threatening form of the disease.
Research indicates that a history of 5 or more sunburns, doubles your risk of developing melanoma. Sun damage builds up over time, starting with your first sunburn, the more often you burn the greater your risk.
The risk of melanoma further increases for those who have suffered sunburn in their younger years. Even one, blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence, more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma skin cancer in later life.
Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to over-exposure to UV radiation. It happens when the amount of Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exceeds what our skin can naturally block by our level of melanin – the pigment that determines the colour of our skin and darkens unprotected sun-exposed skin as a form of protection. The paler your skin, the less melanin you have which is why some people are more prone to burning than others.
Sunburn and its severity isn’t always noticeable while it’s happening, which is why many people get caught out. This is because the skin turns red within 2-6 hours of damage occurring and continues to develop for the next 24 to 72 hours. During this time, the noticeable signs and symptoms develop as the superficial layers of the skin release chemicals that cause our blood vessels to expand and leak fluid causing swelling, pain and redness. Without sun protection, UV radiation penetrates deep into the layers of the skin causing cumulative damage to the skin cells. Following sunburn our skin will try to rid itself of damaged cells, which it does by peeling.
Skin cancer can develop when unrepaired damage to the skin cells cause them to grow out-of-control and form malignant tumours. The time frame for skin cancer development varies widely – in some cases, it may develop within a few years, while in others, it can take decades. Once the redness fades, the damage remains which can result in very serious consequences over time.
It’s not just sunburn that increases the risk of skin cancer. UV radiation from the sun and/or sunbeds is classified as a group 1 carcinogen, responsible for 90% of skin cancers. So, even if your skin tans rather than burns, by exposing your skin to UV radiation for prolonged periods in order to develop a tan – you are increasing your risk of skin cancer.
Tanning is a visible sign of UV damage and a warning sign that your skin is working hard to defend itself from the damaging effects of UV radiation. Every time you tan, you damage the DNA in your skin and put simply the more times you damage your DNA – the greater your risk of developing all types of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Sunbeds are not a safe alternative to sun tanning. Sunbeds emit the same harmful rays as the sun, causing DNA damage that increases the risk of all types of skin cancer, including melanoma.
There is so much evidence to support this, that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified sunbeds as a Group 1 carcinogen. This is its highest cancer risk category. Furthermore, a review by IARC found that first exposure to sunbeds before the age of 35 years increases the risk of melanoma by an alarming 75 per cent and if used before the age of 30 the risk is further increased. To learn more go to: Sunbeds and skin cancer
In recent years, an alarming trend has taken hold among teenagers: the pursuit of tanned skin, fueled in large part by social media and cultural beauty standards. From viral TikTok videos showcasing tanning hacks and sunbed use, to influencers glorifying bronzed complexions, young people are increasingly exposing themselves to harmful UV radiation. This obsession with achieving the perfect glow comes with significant health risks, particularly the heightened chance of developing skin cancer, with melanoma now one of the biggest killing cancers in the 15-34 age group. Despite warnings from experts, many teens continue to embrace tanning under the false belief that they are immune to its consequences.
