What happens to our body after just one sunburn

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Even one sunburn is enough for the risk of skin cancer to increase several times.

Skin cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of this disease. And, unfortunately, its prevalence is increasing: yes, in the last decade alone, this disease has become diagnosed 70% more often. One of the most dangerous factors that increase the risk of developing skin cancer remains ultraviolet exposure and sunburn. And, unfortunately, the more often your skin suffers, the higher the chances of encountering cancer later in life. So, here's what happens to our body when we get sunburned.

The inflammatory process begins

Skin cells damaged by the sun send an SOS signal, to which the immune system is the first to respond, trying to eliminate the damage as quickly as possible. A focus of inflammation forms at the site of the burn, which causes us discomfort and even pain.

A burn develops gradually

The full extent of the burn can be assessed no earlier than 6-24 hours after exposure to the sun (depending on the severity of the lesion), as the melanin pigment particles “tighten” gradually. This is why sun-damaged skin gradually changes color from light pink to purple.

The skin draws on additional reserves

Blood vessels in and around the burn area dilate to deliver healthy, oxygenated blood to the damaged area—this is why the burn area feels red and warm. In addition, swelling forms between individual skin cells, which sometimes comes to the surface of the skin, forming a blister. Of course, all these “procedures” create a lot of stress for the body as a whole.