Why Do People Get ‘Sunburned’ and What Is Actually Happening to Their Skin?

Sunburn happens when your skin gets too much sunlight. It feels like your skin is on fire because the sun is hurting the tiny cells in your skin, called skin cells, and they get angry and send out a red signal. This makes your skin feel hot, painful, and sometimes even blistery.

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Examples

A child runs outside without sunscreen and comes back with bright red skin that feels like it's burning.
A person sits on a beach for hours and ends up looking like a lobster after the sun goes down.
Your friend forgets their hat and now has a pink, peeling face.

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Categories: Health · sunburn,skin health,UV radiation