What is sunburn, really?
Most people think it’s just “getting too much sun,” but there’s more happening beneath the surface.
Sunburn is actually your skin’s inflammatory response to excessive UV radiation. When you’re in the sun too long without protection, UVB rays penetrate the outer layers of your skin and start damaging the DNA in your skin cells.
Your body recognizes this cellular damage and immediately goes into defense mode. Blood vessels dilate and blood rushes to the damaged area, that’s why you see redness. Damaged cells release chemicals that trigger pain and inflammation, and your immune system floods the area with white blood cells to clean up the mess.
As this process continues, the damaged skin cells die off and the top layer begins to peel. It’s your body’s way of shedding cells that might become cancerous if they stuck around.
Sunburn isn’t just a temporary nuisance. Repeated burns weaken your skin’s natural barrier, accelerate aging, and dramatically increase your risk of long-term skin issues. Even a single blistering sunburn can double your lifetime risk of melanoma.
The good news? Sunburn is almost entirely preventable. Limiting midday sun, wearing protective clothing, and using a mineral-based sunscreen consistently can dramatically lower your risk. Products rich in nourishing ingredients like grass-fed tallow, which is full of fat-soluble vitamins and skin-repairing lipids, can also help your skin stay resilient and heal faster if you do get too much sun.