Even staying wisely under an umbrella, the risk of sunburn exists. Why can you get sunburn even in the shade?
? The answer in one sentence: You can get sunburned in the shade, because the sun’s UV radiation is reflected by surfaces.
Long before the summer solstice, summer temperatures returned to France. From June 12, 2023, Météo-France anticipated a summer week, without however mentioning a heat wave to describe it. These high temperatures caused the arrival of storms, including an impressive supercell storm in Île-de-France.
With the return of summer, high temperatures and unpredictable weather, we resume certain habits: for example, ventilating our accommodation at the right time, eating and hydrating properly. It is generally at this time that we also think of using our sunscreen (but not an old tube). It’s a good reflex, but in reality, you shouldn’t wait to tan on the beach or take a walk in the sun to spread it.
Can you tan in the shade?
Sunburn can also be caught in the shade. Obviously, if you have the choice, it is always better to go in the shade than in the sun in order to avoid these unpleasant burns of the skin. As a reminder, sunburn occurs after exposure to UVB rays from the Sun. Gold, ” effective shading can provide protection from the sun’s UV rays, but you can still get burned in the shade sums up an article in The Conversation on the misconceptions around sunburn.
So, be wary if you are in the shade of a material that has holes in it, as they can let UV rays into your skin. Trees can also be false friends: choose the one in the shade of which you settle. Logically, the shade of trees with dense foliage protects more against sunburn than that of trees with sparse foliage. In the same way, a more solid roof with thick edges protects more than a small, weak structure (like a stretched sheet, for example).
Why do we tan in the shade?
It should be remembered that the Sun’s UV radiation can be reflected by other surfaces. It can therefore reach the skin, even if one thinks it is safe in the shade. Especially if these rays are reflected on light surfaces, which return more radiation than dark surfaces. ” Sand can reflect up to 25% of UV rays. This means that if you’re sitting under an umbrella, UV rays can still damage your skin, even if you feel like you’re covered in shade. “, adds the article of The Conversation.
And, even if you don’t get sunburned and you have “simply” tanned in the shade, don’t forget that tanning remains a defense reaction of the skin against solar aggression. So don’t wait for sunburn, which destroys thousands of cells in the epidermis, to protect yourself. We are certainly not all equal when it comes to the risks associated with the sun for the skin: thus, people with very fair skin exposing themselves to the sun have a greater risk of suffering from skin cancer.
How to get rid of a sunburn quickly?
There is no miracle recipe for quickly eliminating a sunburn and turning it into a tan. However, there are a few things you can do to calm him down and avoid making the situation worse.
- Stop exposing yourself to the sun immediately, if possible.
- Use tap water (between 15 and 25°C) to cool the burned area for a quarter of an hour or until the pain subsides. A lukewarm water bath (not cold) can also provide relief.
- Drink plenty to stay hydrated.
- Watch your temperature.
- If headaches occur, taking a painkiller such as paracetamol may help.
- For first degree burns: a sedative ointment can provide relief. Don’t tear off the peeling skin (even if it’s tempting). If sun exposure is unavoidable in the following days, cover the area with clothing or apply sunscreen with an index greater than 50.
- For second degree burns: To avoid infection, clean the area with soap. Do not puncture the blisters so as not to infect them. Cover up outdoors to avoid contact with your skin.
Please note that only sunburns with a first or second degree burn can be treated without a doctor. If it is a deep second degree burn, it is necessary to consult.
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