What causes that painful sunburn?
The sun emits three types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and never reach us. UVA penetrates deeply, leading to long-term damage like premature skin aging. UVB rays are the main culprits behind sunburn. They reach the epidermis, triggering the skin to thicken and produce melanin—an organic pigment responsible for tanning. Tanning signals damage, but redness means a burn. Skincare expert Dr. Jetske Ultee explains: 'The brown color is already a sign of damage, but if the skin turns red, it has been burned. Fortunately, you can still do a lot to take care of your skin in the first 12 to 24 hours.'
