West Central Saskatchewan has experienced rolling temperatures this summer, but one underlying factor that stays constant are the damaging UV rays that beat down.

UV rays, or ultraviolet radiation, are emitted from the sun and are absorbed through our exposed skin. There are two main sub-types, UVA and UVB, with the former causing skin damage such as wrinkles and the latter damaging skin cells’ DNA directly.

One of the most recognized symptoms of too much exposure to UV rays are the all-too-common (and painful) sunburn, which is actually your body’s response to extreme skin cell damage. The heat and redness associated with sunburns is a rush of blood to the damaged areas, hence why when you push on the sunburned area it will turn white and before the capillaries fill up with blood again.

The higher the UV index, the stronger the rays are and more susceptible you are to causing damage to the DNA in your skin cells and contracting a painful sunburn. Furthermore, according to Skin Care Foundation, “Your risk for melanoma doubles if you’ve had more than five sunburns.”

Terri Lang, Warning Preparedness Meteorologist with Environment Canada, said high-noon is the time of day where the UV rays are the most potent. She added not to correlate the heat of the day with the potency of UV rays and that often times, that the two are separate and one does not necessarily affect the other.

The best way to deal with a sunburn is not to get one in the first place by using a full-spectrum sunblock appropriate for your activity and to cover up bare skin when and if possible.

There has also been research done that indicates supplementing with vitamin C by using topical creams and serums, coupled with the antioxidant, glutathione, can add further protection to your skin. The duo acts as a barrier against UV rays not allowing them to permeate your skin and minimizing the cell damage done, they both also act as potent antioxidants helping clear your body of free radicals from any damage that is done by the rays.

If, however, the summer fun gets the best of you and you do end up with a lobster-like skin tone, there are things you can do to minimize the damage (and pain) done.

1) Stay hydrated – As the blood rushes to the surface of your skin, so does water leaving the rest of your body at risk for dehydration.
2) Cool Down – Act fast to remove yourself from the sun and get into a cool lake or shower.
3) Moisturize – While skin is still damp, use a gentle moisturizer that isn’t oil based and does not contain petroleum.
4) Reduce Inflammation – Using over the counter anti-inflammatory’s can help with swelling and discomfort. Aloe vera may also be used to cool and soothe burns.

If however, you have blistering over a large area, have a fever and chills and start feeling woozy or confused, it is always advised to seek medical help.