Why Do We Sunburn?

What is your favorite summer activity? Swimming, riding bikes, playing ball, building sandcastles, enjoying an ice cream cone—there are lots of fun things to do when it heats up outside. But warm weather often means another thing—sunburn. Some people sunburn more easily than others, but we’ve all probably experienced at least a pink nose from spending a lot of time in the sun.

How does the sun burn us?

The sun lets off rays called UV (ultraviolet) light. Too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays without protection can penetrate the skin and damage your skin cells. Blood flow is increased to the damaged areas, causing the tender red spots we call sunburn. Ouch!

God created the sun on the fourth day of creation. Before Adam and Eve sinned, the sun’s rays wouldn’t have hurt us. But now sunburn can be harmful for your skin. That’s why it’s important to wear sunscreen.

How Does Sunscreen Work?

Most sunscreens are made from either minerals or chemicals that protect our skin from harmful UV rays. Mineral sunscreen is like a shield, blocking the rays and causing them to bounce off your skin. Sunscreen made from chemicals absorbs the UV rays before they can damage your skin.

To protect your skin from the sun, experts recommend wearing a hat and sunglasses, using sunscreen, and reapplying every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Animal Sunscreen

God equipped some animals with built-in sunscreen to block the sun’s rays.

• Hippos produce a thick red sweat that protects them from the sun.
• Zebrafish make a substance called gadusol that has skin-protecting qualities.
• Rhinos, pigs, and elephants roll in the mud to cool down and cover themselves in a protective layer.

Do you have a question about God’s Word or his world that you want us to answer? Is there a topic you want to learn more about? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today. Watch for our answer here on the blog or in Kids Answers magazine. We’d love to hear from you!