is skin peeling a sign of healing sunburn

We all know a sunburn is never a good sign, but does peeling indicate healing? You can and should apply SPF on peeling skin as long as youre not dealing with an open wound or a particularly bad sunburn. EltaMD UV Restore Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40, Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sheer Lotion SPF 50, Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Day Lotion SPF 30. First-degree sunburns typically begin peeling two days after sun exposure. The infection can cause the patches to flake, crust, and become irritated. Avoid aloe vera topicals containing chemical preservatives, as these can worsen irritation. For this reason, if you are peeling and step outside without sunscreen, you increase the risk of burning. Still, its a common symptom that many people experience. Exfoliating products containing ingredients such as retinoids, glycolic acid or salicylic acid can irritate and damage sunburnt skin, as well as the tender skin regenerating underneath. With some degree of sunburn, skin starts to peel about 3 days after exposure. But if you ask us, we'll just ask dermatologists and that's exactly what we did in order to give you a clearer idea of why sunburns peel, what it means for your skin, and how to prevent it in the future. Many don't know about the hazards of sunburn in the long and short term. A sunburn speeds up the process, leading to visible peeling. Ayurveda recommends the use of skin healing herbs that hydrate and improve your skin condition. Sunburnt skin will stop peeling once all the sun-damaged skin has been purged, and the underlying skin has fully regenerated. This also applies to tan, which means that moderate sunbathing will allow you to acquire a bit of protection from sunburn, as long as your skin remains tanned. Peeling skin may arise from infectious diseases, such as: Peeling skin is common and usually part of the healing of skin damage. Look for water-based moisturizers containing ingredients such as glycerin and soy peptides; avoid oil-based moisturizers, as these can worsen the burn. A literary enthusiast and a beauty practitioner, who loves to unveil the beauty secrets, helping you to be comfortable in your skin, hair, and nail care rituals. You must let the skin slough off your body on its own. People with severe sunburns are more likely to experience skin peeling three weeks later. This risk doubles if you develop a blistering burn." Hawaiian Tropic Antioxidant Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50. Once peeling has begun, colloidal oatmeal baths, aloe vera gel and OTC water-based moisturizers can reduce burn severity, as well as soothe discomfort and ease inflammation. The stratum corneum comprises layers of dead skin cells ready to shed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534837/, https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/4/2/16/pdf, What Causes Dark Neck and How to Treat It, Does PCOS Cause Acne? 15 Sunscreens for Your Body That'll Provide SPF Protection Without Breakouts, The Best SPF Lip Balms to Protect Your Lips This Summer (and Beyond). The darker your skin is, the less likely sunburn is to occur after long exposure to the sun's rays. April 9, 2022 by Milica Ugrenovic. Sunburn is a form of radiation burn that affects living tissue, such as skin, that results from an overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from the Sun.Common symptoms in humans and animals include: red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch or painful, general fatigue, and mild dizziness.Other symptoms include blistering, peeling skin, swelling, itching, and nausea. That can make it worse! They have been found to protect the skin against the damaging effects of UV radiation and reduce the incidence of sunburn. In very severe cases of sunburn, blisters may form on the skin in response to the damage. If left untreated, this trapped heat will continue to damage and kill skin cells, exacerb inflammation and ultimately intensify peeling. Peeling skin caused by external factors like sunburn will typically heal on its own without interventions, but peeling skin caused by an underlying condition needs to be looked at and treated by a doctor. Just dont scrub your peeling skin while applying your sunscreen! Soy peptides are topical cosmeceuticals rich in amino acids that encourage protein regeneration and enforce the skins barrier function. ATTENTION TO RIGHT HOLDERS! This type of skin peeling is often accompanied by itching. Simple at-home measures can be taken to reduce inflammation, speed up healing and ultimately reduce the severity and duration of peeling. Also awesome and affordable are Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Day Lotion SPF 30 and Hawaiian Tropic Antioxidant Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50. People can improve dry and flaky skin with proper skin products and hydration methods. Drink extra water to stave off the dehydration a burn can cause. 2008;21(2):106-10. "[Peeling your skin] can you set up for a poor or prolonged healing, increased irritation and inflammation and even possible infection," Miami-based board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, MD, has told Allure regarding treating a sunburn, adding that sometimes healthy skin inevitably comes off with the damaged skin. Stay out of the sun or wear protective clothing (, Apply petroleum jelly or an oil-based skin cream, as these trap the heat of the burn, which slows the healing process and increases irritation, Use harsh soap (try a moisturizing body wash instead). Do this rather than scrubbing with loofahs or exfoliating pads. This is not something you should worry about, and if you want to find out how to speed up the process, you can read our blog post about exfoliating. Many cases of sunburn peeling can be controlled or prevented with at-home treatment. You will not believe it, and I have such acquaintances who do not want to hear anything about a healthy lifestyle and the need to use high-quality cosmetics. Now, you have a sunburn that quite literally burns like no other, and your scorched skin more resembles the scaly, flaky mess shed from reptiles (ew) than its usual smooth, glowing disposition. Yet, if you have severe sunburn, then its likely that you will experience some peeling. Skin peeling 3 weeks after sunburn is a delayed reaction to sun damage. Sunburn peeling does not usually require professional medical attention, but be sure to see a doctor if you experience symptoms such as nausea, chills or severe blistering, or if your burn begins to show signs of infection. A dermatologist can determine the cause and suggest an appropriate treatment. You asked: What if my mole biopsy comes back positive? CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID-19) The one thing you should not do is peel your sunburn. Peeling skin is harmless and helps the healing process, but it can be itchy and uncomfortable. 2015 Jan;14(1):43-8. Treatments for cancer, acne and aging can also cause peeling skin. Peeling occurs when the body purges these dead and damaged skin cells. We're fans of the Best of Beauty Award-winning EltaMD UV Restore Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 for the face and Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sheer Lotion SPF 50 for the body. Proactive measures can help reduce peeling. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can effectively soothe dry and flaky skin and reduce inflammation. The most important first step is to cool down your skin; this will contain the damage and prevent your burn from worsening. Peeling of the skin is part of the healing process after a sunburn, and it tends to start after about three days. Protect yourself from the sun. Especially if you dont take proper care of sunburn and expose it to the Sun. Peeling can feel uncomfortable; it is typically accompanied by a persistent itching sensation, and can sometimes lead to scarring. If a day at the beach, in the pool, on the boat or in the yard has turned you into a lobster, you can be pretty sure of what comes next, in a few days or a week after the initial sunburn: peeling skin. As damaged skin begins to peel, areas of new skin will be revealed. Peeling skin is a common problem after a. Your best bet in skipping the scaling sensation, as well as decreasing your risk of skin cancer, is to be sun smart: Don't get burnt. Skin peeling on the face is a sign of skin damage and epidermal barrier impairment. Most burns are superficial first-degree burns, however longer sun exposure and poor sun safety practices can lead to more severe second-degree burns. Peeling skin is a sign that your body is healing itself, but it can be irritating, itchy, and unsightly while it's happening. It would be best if you didnt peel sunburn because it could lead to skin damage and scarring. If you find it hard to resist the temptation to peel, cover your skin with loose clothing so you dont see it. Help the skin stay healthy by keeping the skin moisturized, especially after a shower, said Wolfe. Regularly moisturizing the sunburnt area will accelerate healing and reduce the amount of time it takes for the damaged skin to peel. When your skin begins . We hope this blog post sheds some light on sunburns and peeling, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below. Sunburn peeling is rarely a cause for medical concern, and does not typically warrant a doctors care. Otherwise, its important to use sunscreen to prevent further damage. A common symptom is peeling of the skin. As second-degree burns take longer to heal, they usually begin peeling after 12 weeks. Second-degree burns are more serious. Gently slather on store-bought pure aloe vera gel, especially after a shower. Reynertson KA, Garay M, Nebus J, Chon S, Kaur S, Mahmood K, Kizoulis M, Southall MD. TheBeautyMarvel.com is reader-supported blog which means when you buy through links on this site, we may earn affiliate commission at no added cost to you. There are many ways that the skin heals, and sometimes fresh pink skin can appear without going through the peeling process. Yet, it can take longer if you treat it with some oils or creams on top of your skin, making peeling harder. [Updated 2018 Nov 23]. The skin tone of the newly regenerated areas will sometimes slightly differ from the normal skin tone. Important information about Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19):LEARN MORE. It may sometimes be tempting to fully peel the already peeling skin. Blisters that burst will bleed and scab over, and can sometimes scar. After you heal from a sunburn, the affected area may be more tan than usual, . do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin. Until the dead skin falls away on its own, the skin underneath is too raw for exposure and prone to infection, said Wolfe. Applying a cool compress is an important and effective first measure to stop burning, and help prevent sunburn from peeling. The peeling ceases around the same time the skin underneath is ready for exposure., Here are some steps to take and a few to avoid to ease sunburn pain, help the skin heal and, if youre lucky, limit skin peeling. Second-degree burns will be similar, but with deepened redness, swelling and the addition of blisters. Depending on the severity of the burn, blisters can range from pea-sized bumps filled with clear liquid to large, raised, swollen lumps filled with yellow pus. Peeling can feel uncomfortable; it is typically accompanied by a persistent itching sensation, and can sometimes lead to scarring. The skin peels to remove the damaged top layer so that new, healthy skin can grow in its place. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. A bad sunburn may take several days to heal. User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and You skimped on sunscreen. When your. Medical Review By: Micaela Wolfe, APRN. retailers. If you dont have aloe, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a moisturizer that contains soy. This can worsen discomfort and lead to infection. "After sustaining a sunburn, your skin is more sensitive to additional UV damage," Dr. ", In non-science speak, your body is literally shedding dead skin that was touched by the sun as a form of protection. What Color Nail Polish Goes with Gold Shoes. It may also be a sign of an immune system disorder or other disease. It can take anywhere from three days to a week for peeling to start after a sunburn. People with severe sunburns are more likely to experience skin peeling three weeks later. If your skin starts flaking after a particularly bad. Continue to regularly apply aloe vera gel or moisturizer. Unfortunately, theres no quick fix for sunburn, so dont keep picking away at your skin to speed up the healing process. Rash, itching, dryness and other irritating skin problems may accompany peeling skin. Its the bodys way of getting rid of damaged cells. Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to the damage caused to skin cells by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As first-degree burns heal, they typically appear as patchy areas of red, flaking skin intermingled with tender areas of new skin. Significance Environmental factors can cause skin to peel. Waters Edge Dermatology is a leading full service dermatology practice providing medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and plastic surgery, and Vein Centers. According to SkinCancer.org, you should never pull off your peeling skin and should avoid active exfoliation. In less common cases, peeling skin can be a sign of an immune system disorder or other illness. The peeling will stop when the burn has healed, which is about seven days after you've been burnt. J Drugs Dermatol. Castor Oil for skin peeling treatment. All materials are posted on the site strictly for informational and educational purposes! This can cause the burn to worsen in condition, ultimately exacerbating peeling. Heat, wind, and high or low humidity can affect the skin on your hands. Peeling can be caused by either first- or second-degree burns. In the meantime, stock up on broad-spectrum sunscreen so you dont find yourself in the same red-hot situation again. Damage to the dermis can cause swelling and blistering to appear on the skins surface, and is often extremely painful. Some medical causes of peeling hands include allergies, eczema, psoriasis, infections, or acral peeling skin syndrome. Getting too little or too much of certain vitamins may cause your skin to peel. Sunburns, allergies and skin diseases cause skin to peel. A light burn may result in peeling, but you might not notice as much because there wasnt much damage done, to begin with. Your skin may appear uneven in color and pattern for a short period after peeling. Once these blisters heal and dry out, they will also peel off. This will speed skin healing as well as soften the dead skin and make it less tempting to remove, said Wolfe. Keep in mind that the reason your skin is peeling is that it has . Once a sunburn has begun to peel, it can be a difficult process to stop. Dry, peeling skin is most commonly a sign of damage to the upper layer of your skin (epidermis) caused by sunburn. The best time to apply sunscreen is 20 to 30 minutes before going outside, and then every two hours while outside. A doctor can prescribe topical treatments to speed up the healing process, antibiotics to stave off infection and pain medication to ease any discomfort. Yes, it is definitely a bad idea. Here are some treatment methods and tips to stop the peeling once its started. But its generally painful and takes bit of time for skin renewal. Yes, you should be applying SPF to your peeling skin. Peeling skin may occur because of direct damage to the skin, such as from sunburn or infection. If your skin is pale, you should avoid long periods of sun exposure all at once. To sum up, peeling isnt guaranteed with every sunburn since they dont want all damage to the top layer of skin equally. Aloe vera acts as an anti-inflammatory as well as a moisturizer and may reduce the amount of peeling you face later on. The damage can be a result of external or internal factors. The primary aim of first aid treatment for burns is to reduce the heat of the affected tissues; oil-based moisturizers create a seal over the skin which will trap the heat. Yes, you will most likely start peeling when you have red skin. Apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, following the package directions, if the burn is bothersome. Yet, not everyone will peel, and it doesnt happen to everyone or with every degree of burn severity. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. Pretty cool, if you ask us. Extract the gel directly from aloe vera leaves and apply to your skin or purchase a natural over-the-counter (OTC) gel product. Dermatologists explain why we shed our skin after too much sun exposure. Your best source for ultimate beauty tips from skin care to hair care, DIY products and natural remedies, along with top rated products reviews. Some environmental causes of peeling hands include the sun, dry air, cold weather, and excessive hand-washing. If your peeling skin isn't caused by a sunburn, talk to your healthcare provider before trying home remedies. No, skin should not be exfoliated, either chemically or mechanically, while it is healing from sunburn. The healing process of these burns leads to sunburn peeling, which is caused by dead and damaged skin sloughing off as new skin regenerates. When to see a doctor. They make a choice in favor of buying another face mask or cream that promises to get rid of wrinkles, give freshness and youth. Peeling is a natural part of the healing process after sunburn. When your skin begins to peel, it's actually your body's way of ridding itself of dead, damaged skin cells that were exposed to the sun's damaging ultra-violet rays. Treatment Options and More, Dermal Fillers: Uses, Types, Candidates, Risks, Cost and More, Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Types, Cost, Uses, Side Effects and More. Skin peeling can also result from a disease or condition, which may start someplace other than your skin. This is unattractive, visually unappealing since the skin gets rough, dry, and shows signs of burns and blisters. Apply a moisturizer to soothe and hydrate damaged skin, and help reduce the severity of peeling. Tinea infections (Athletes foot, jock itch, ringworm), Use a soothing anti-inflammatory cream. Why is my skin peeling when not sunburned? How Much Does QWO Cellulite Treatment Cost? Sunburn. "Even a single sunburn increases your risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Treat a sunburn right away to speed up the healing process and limit the after-effects. If you are unlucky enough to have a sunburn that peels, you should resist the urge to peel off pieces of your skin as it heals. Article Written By: Marianne Wait is an award-winning health and wellness writer based in New Jersey. UV radiation and the skin. 2022 Cond Nast. If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. Castor oil is very effective when it comes to moisturizing the dry skin and healing the peeling skin. And with it, perhaps, a strong temptation to pull off the unsightly dead skin. This hydrates and softens damaged tissues, supporting and accelerating the healing process. Any redness, and especially peeling, signifies that there has been damage to the skin. Whether diseases cause it or not, peeling is natural for your body to heal, and it is best to let . Other treatments for sunburned peeling skin include aloe, soy, and cucumber extracts, but in our other blog posts, you can read more about them. In the sense that your skin cells are repairing themselves. To reduce the skin damage caused by peeling to a minimum, you need to know about sunburn symptoms and ways to avoid peeling. Peeling skin is not, in and of itself, a cause for concern, but it can be of aesthetic concern for some people, especially when it occurs on the face and neck. Pellagra is a condition that results from a lack of vitamin B-3 (niacin) in the diet. . In . However, you may wish to seek medical attention if your burn is accompanied by fever, nausea or chills. I highly encourage the use of SPF protective clothing to help with sun protection, along with sunscreen use, said Wolfe. But it can be extremely damaging, and your skin will take longer to heal. In fact, your skin is more prone to damage from UV rays for as long as several weeks after a burn. Although peeling may seem harmless, it can actually further damage your skin and make it more vulnerable to infection. Br J Dermatol. The topmost layer of skin peels after a sunburn as part of the healing process, said Micaela Wolfe, a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner at Waters Edge Dermatology. do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin. Dry, peeling skin is most commonly a sign of damage to the upper layer of your skin (epidermis) caused by sunburn. The anti- inflammatory properties of castor oil helps to heal the sunburn peeling as well. (The only surefire way to avoid peeling is to protect yourself against sunburn in the first place.). The peeling ceases around the same time the skin underneath is ready for exposure." If your skin peels despite your best efforts, follow these tips: The worst of the peeling should be over in about a week. How long does sunburn peeling last? Apply a cool compress or take a cool bath to quickly reduce this residual heat, prevent further damage and speed up the healing process. Your burned skin needs time to heal. All rights reserved. Investigation of the anti-inflammatory potential of Aloe vera gel (97.5%) in the ultraviolet erythema test. Now, find out how to soothe your sunburn with a single tea bag: Follow Allure on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to our newsletter for daily beauty stories delivered right to your inbox. Many viruses, including COVID, produce a slightly itchy widespread rash called a viral exanthem. The most effective solutions treat damaged areas immediately, before peeling even begins. Superficial loss of skin cells is a normal ongoing process, but noticeable peeling skin can be due to injury or disease. Sometimes there is minor burning on the skin without peeling. Waters Edge Dermatology has 37 office locations throughout Florida. (2017) Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results. What Are Aloe Vera's Benefits for Skin and Hair? Additional measures can be taken, however, to reduce the severity of peeling and ease some of the burns discomfort as it heals. Direction: Take a little castor oil in your hand, rub it to make it little warm and apply on your face Scrubbing cleansers and exfoliators that contain granules should also be avoided until skin is completely healed. The peeling continues for several days and may last up to 3 weeks. Available from: Reuter J, Jocher A, Stump J, Grossjohann B, Franke G, Schempp CM. Generally speaking, tans will last up to 7 to 10 days before skin starts to naturally exfoliate and regenerate. Not just when your skin is peeling. UV radiation penetrates deep into the dermis, the layer of tissue beneath the surface skin, which contains capillaries and sweat glands. Eczema doesn't have a cure, but it can be managed. . Here are some fast treatment methods for sunburn: If your skin feels hot to the touch, your skin has turned red (or is darker than normal), or you should seek medical attention if you have a headache or fever. Once out of the sun, your sunburn can still continue to briefly worsen due to the residual heat trapped inside your skin. Topical application of aloe vera gel soothes and moisturizes sunburnt skin, and decreases inflammation. Do not place ice directly on your skin, as this may damage your skin. After sun exposure, the damaged skin cells rise to the surface of the stratum corneum (the outer layer of skin). However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. A cool compress can be made easily by wrapping a bag of ice cubes, crushed ice or bag of frozen vegetables in a wet towel. Plasma Skin Tightening: How It Works, Efficacy, Cost and More, Blisters that become inflamed or turn yellow. For example, the dry air in certain regions can cause the exposed skin on your hands to dry, crack, and peel. In the sense that your skin cells are repairing themselves. Yet, if you do not peel and the redness goes away, your skin has healed without peeling. Soaking in a cool or lukewarm colloidal oatmeal bath can relieve the stinging, itching and burning sensation of sunburn. Eye stinging or itching is a common complaint. TheBeautyMarvel.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Yet, you should be applying a moisturizer that contains SPF on your face and body every day. In less common cases, peeling skin can be a sign of an immune system disorder or other illness. Take cool showers or baths to cool the skin and temporarily relieve the pain. Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with Yes, you will lose the tan if your skin peels. As tempting as those flakes may be, do not pick or pull at them.. "UV light exposure causes free-radical damage to your skin," Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, tells Allure. 2008 Jul;159(1):23-34. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-. Don't get too excited.). It usually heals after a week or so with peeling of the skin, like that seen after a sunburn. The best way to exfoliate peeling skin after sunburn is by gently cleansing with warm water and soap. Blisters like the ones you have are a sign that a sunburn is serious. The peeling that occurs 3 weeks after a sunburn is a delayed burn.. The inflammation and discharge make the skin more vulnerable to becoming irritated and breaking down. 2022 Copyright Derm Collective. Is it Bad If I Peel My Sunburnt Skin? The skin sometimes peels after a yeast infection. Sunburn symptoms often appear within a few hours after sun exposure. Though it typically occurs within 3 days of sun damage. Should you Exfoliate Peeling Skin After Sunburn? Peeling skin is not, in and of itself, a cause for concern, but it can be of aesthetic concern for some people, especially when it occurs on the face and neck. If your skin starts peeling three weeks after a sunburn, its a sign that your body is healing your skin. Peeling Skin From Sunburn - Reasons, Signs & Prevention TikTok and Reddit alike are obsessed with this old-school skin-care trick. "Taking precautions now will prevent premature aging, skin cancer, and painful peeling of unsightly skin," she says. If you cant keep from peeling your dead skin, remember to use sunscreen to avoid further damage. That's why it's so (emphasis on so) important to slather on sunscreen (at least SPF 30) every day before heading outdoors or if you're staying inside anywhere near a window and then re-apply every few hours, as the American Academy of Dermatology recommends. Let your skin slough off naturally after a sunburn. Yes, it can last for months. Look for moisturizers formulated with vitamin E, as these can ease the symptoms of sunburn, soothe discomfort and may reduce the severity of peeling. Yes, it can last for months. Steps to Promote Faster Skin Healing After a Sunburn Avoid peeling skin Use medications for pain and inflammation reduction Rinse burnt skin under cool water-Avoid using scrubs or harsh skin cleansers and pat skin dry with soft cloth never rubbing it Use cold compress to impacted skin-Stay well hydrated with water throughout day Minor burns typically peel for 23 days; second-degree burns will peel for about 1 week. Research shows that low levels of vitamin D may increase the chances of dry skin. See your health care provider if you: Develop large . Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin. Dry and flaky skin can be a normal part of aging, but often, dry skin can result from temperature or humidity changes, skin conditions, bad washing habits, and dehydration. In general, most people start peeling between 3 and 5 days after the sunburn occurs. At the same time, they do not even think about what effect this or that remedy can have on the skin. The correct answer is "no.". For severe sunburns, place a cool compress on the sunburnt area for 30 minutes twice a day, until your skin heals and the peeling stops. First-degree burn is the result of sun damage being isolated to the epidermis the outermost layer of skin. Once the peeling has begun, you can use moisturizer to help speed up the healing process. Remember, getting too many sunburns or even just one that blisters increases your risk of developing skin cancer, as does any unprotected UV exposure, even without the sunburn. It may be unsightly and even a little disconcerting, but while a sunburn is never a good thing, a peeling sunburn is both a sign of damage and a step in the right direction. Does peeling always happen after a sunburn? Take an over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen or aspirin ASAP within the first few hoursif possible to help with sunburn pain and limit swelling (unless your doctor has advised you not to take these medications). UV radiation penetrates skin cells and causes direct damage to the structure of cellular DNA, which results in the cells either mutating or being destroyed. Along with slathering on sunscreen, Shamban recommends wearing a hat, sitting in the shade, and opting for UV-protected sunglasses when you're outdoors.