With the holidays and the good weather, it's hard to resist the call of the sun. It warms us, improves our mood, and helps us to synthesize information. vitamin DHowever, its effects on the skin are not always harmless. Sun exposure, when poorly managed, can cause sunburns ou burns These risks can vary in severity and have lasting health consequences. Before enjoying the summer, it's best to understand the risks… and how to protect yourself.
Why can the sun be dangerous?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun are invisible, but powerful. These are the rays that damage the skin:
- The UVA penetrate deep into the dermis, accelerate skin aging and may be involved in certain cancers.
- The UVB, more energetic, are the main culprits behind sunburn and DNA damage to skin cells.
- The intensity of exposure depends on many factors: altitude, reflection (sand, sea, snow), time of day, UV index…
Even on cloudy days or under a parasol, UV rays reach the skin. And the more frequent and prolonged the exposure, the greater the risks.
The dangers of the sun in numbers
- Between 141,200 and 243,500 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in France (Public Health France) — these are the most common cancers from all causes (Ministry of Health, 2024).
- More than 80% of skin cancers are linked to excessive sun exposure (National Cancer Institute, May 2025).
- Le Solar radiation is classified as a known carcinogen (group 1) for humans by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) and the WHO, in the same way as asbestos or tobacco.
- The WHO also classifies the Artificial UV tanning booths as carcinogenic to humans (group 1, since 2009).
- An exhibition of 20 minutes in a UV booth equals 1 to 2 hours of exposure to intense sunlight (National Union of Dermatologists-Venereologists)
The different types of sunburn
Sunburn is a real burncaused by a Excessive exposure to UVB.
Burns can be of the 1st or 2nd degree :
- 1er degree The skin is red, dry, painful, and without blisters.
- 2nd degree The skin is swollen, red, oozing, and covered with blisters containing clear fluid.
It can manifest as redness, a feeling of heat, pain, or even blisters in the most severe cases. In some people, these symptoms are accompanied by chills, fever, or headacheThe skin, when irritated, reacts in a way inflammatoryIn children and people with fair skin, damage can occur in just a few minutes. If the skin peels a few days later, it means that the damaged cells are being shed – a sign that the burn has reached a certain level.
What are the health consequences of sunburn?
Excessive sun exposure doesn't just have immediate effects like redness or sunburn. Its health impacts can be more... deep, sustainable, and sometimes irreversibleThe main consequences of sunburn are:
- Un premature aging of the skinThis leads to the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. Under the repeated effects of UV rays, the skin gradually loses its elasticity and radiance, even in young people.
- The DNA damageUVB-induced damage can impair the proper functioning of skin cells. This cellular damage accumulates over time and promotes the appearance of skin cancer, sometimes several years after the exhibition.
- A photosensitizationAn exaggerated skin reaction to the sun, triggered by certain medications (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, etc.), plants (such as St. John's wort or citrus fruits), or perfumes. It can manifest as redness, itching, or blisters.
- Un weakening of the cutaneous immune systemmaking the skin more vulnerable to infections, local autoimmune diseases or the reactivation of certain viruses (herpes, for example).
- The sunstroke or in heatstrokeThese symptoms, linked to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, can include headaches, nausea, intense fatigue, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness. They require prompt medical attention, especially in children, the elderly, or those with chronic illnesses. Read also our article “Heatwave: impacts on human health and good practices during periods of extreme heat.
- Finally, the melanoma, made of cancer This particularly aggressive skin condition remains the most feared complication. It is directly linked to intense and repeated sun exposure, especially during childhood. Early detection significantly improves the prognosis, hence the importance of regularly monitoring your skin and promptly consulting a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
How to protect yourself effectively from the sun?
Prevention remains the best weapon against sun damage. Here are the essential recommendations:
- Avoid sun exposure between 12pm and 16pmthe time when UV rays are strongest
- Wear some clothing coverings, a hat wide-brimmed and sunglasses with UV filter
- Apply a sunscreen SPF 30 to 50Apply in sufficient quantity to all exposed areas, and reapply every two hours (and after swimming).
- All right moisturize your skin after the exhibition and drink regularly to compensate for water losses due to heat
- Never expose an infant to the suneven briefly
To learn more, see our article on the Heatwave: impacts on human health and best practices during periods of extreme heat
In Summary
Sunshine is good for the soul, but it can be harmful to the skin. Sunburns, even if they seem minor at the time, leave lasting marks. In the short term, they cause discomfort and pain; in the long term, they increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. During the holidays, sensible sun exposure and appropriate protection allow you to enjoy the sunny days with complete peace of mind.
FAQ – Dangers of the sun
The UV index measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation on a scale of 1 to 11+.
Protection becomes essential from index 3 (Moderate): Sunscreen SPF 30 minimum, hat and sunglasses. Beyond index 6 (high)Shade between 12 pm and 16 pm becomes necessary. From 8 (very high)Even those with relatively mild skin can burn in less than 20 minutes. In any case, the best protection against UV rays remains clothing.
Le SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures UVB protection. For the skin, it is recommended SPF 30 minimum daily, and SPF 50+ in case of prolonged exposureNot recommended for fair skin, children, pregnant women, or after skin cancer. Check for the logo. "UVA" Circled on the packaging: it guarantees UVA protection compliant with European regulations. Apply in generous layer (≈ 2 mg/cm² or the equivalent of 6 teaspoons for an adult's body) and renew every 2 hours and after each swim.
A sunburn is a first or second degree burn :
- 1er degreeThe skin is red, dry, painful, and without blisters.
- 2nd degree: the skin is swollen, red, oozing and covered with blisters with clear fluid.
The right steps to take in case of burns:
- Stop all exposure immediately. and stay in the shade. Do not expose the burned areas to the sun again for the next few days and cover them with loose cotton clothing. Protect the areas with a SPF50 minimum.
- Cool the area with lukewarm water (15 to 25 °C) during class ; never put ice in direct contact with the skin.
- For burns of the 1er degree, apply a specific cream recommended by your pharmacist. For burns of the 2nd degree, consult your doctor who will be able to prescribe you a appropriate local treatment.
- Drink water regularly to compensate for skin dehydration.
- Never pop blisters They protect the skin during healing. They can become infected by bacteria present on the skin, which are not destroyed by the sun. Clean the wound with an antiseptic.
- Monitor your temperature and take a painkiller in case of pain such as headaches.
For burns of the 1er to a certain degree, you can apply a specific cream recommended by your pharmacist (sterile healing cream for example).
For burns of the 2nd degree, consult your doctor who can prescribe you a appropriate local treatment (bandages for example).
Avoid applying substances such as butters or oils to the burn: their greasy film can delay healing and promote maceration.
Never use ice or ice water, which could further damage the skin.
La Biafine can be used on burns of the 1er and 2nd degree in general, but is not recommended for extensive or deep burns, on the infected wounds or oozing or when the skin is torn off.
If in doubt, seek the advice of a medical professional.
Yes, because tanning beds emit mostly UVA, sometimes in doses 10 to 15 times higher to those of the midsummer sun. They are classified known human carcinogens (group 1) by the IARC since 2009, in the same way as tobacco. Having the first treatment before age 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 59%No health benefits have been demonstrated: vitamin D synthesis requires UVB rays and does not justify the use of tanning beds. In France, their Use is prohibited for minors since 2014.
Consult quickly, see a doctor if your sunburn covers a large area, presents extensive blisters, is accompanied by fever, chills, headache or vomiting, or if he touches a infant or young childFor moles, remember the ABCDE rule : Asymmetry, Birregular orders, Cuneven color Ddiameter > 6 mm, ÉRapid evolution. Any positive sign warrants a review. dermatological without delay.
