Think you can’t get skin cancer from just one sunburn? Think again.

Even though I grew up in sunny Florida, I was still quite prone to sunburn, especially during annual family vacations when I would spend hours with my cousins ​​playing in the ocean and come away with bright red burns that sometimes blistered and burned. always I’m in pain. Even though it only happened once a year, my mother used to tell me that a bad sunburn increased my risk of getting skin cancer in the future. From what I remember, that percentage ranges from 20% to 50%, or even 80%.

Even if my mother wasn’t a dermatologist, I should have listened to her urging me to wear sunscreen and pay attention to my future skin and health. As I got older, I often thought about the statistics she shared, wondering if she was right or if she was being a little melodramatic. Everyone gets a sunburn from time to time, right? How bad could it really be?

According to dermatologists, it is far of OK. And my mom’s stats actually weren’t that far off.

“It’s thought that one blistering sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of developing melanoma later in life,” said Jeffrey Fromowitz, a dermatologist in Boca Raton, citing a statistic supported by research and the Skin Cancer Foundation. Fromowitz also said that five or more “typical” sunburns (without blisters) also double the risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous and deadly type of skin cancer.

Most of us know that sunburns aren’t particularly pleasant. They can be painful, tender and stinging. They can cause blistering or peeling of the skin. But fewer of us probably know what really happens to our skin cells when we get sunburned.

Debra Jaliman is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. She is also the author of the book “Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.” She told HuffPost that it’s excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays that specifically cause sunburn.

“A sunburn is your body’s reaction to damage caused by UV rays. When your body gets too much sun exposure, it reacts by turning red,” explains Jaliman. “The redness and pain caused by a sunburn is the reaction of your body’s immune system and its natural inflammatory response. Skin cells receive extra blood to help heal damaged skin. »

If the word “radiation” scares you, that’s okay, because that’s exactly what happens to your skin when you spend too much time in the sun without proper protection. Jaliman echoes Fromowitz’s point that just one bad sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer over the course of your life, so it’s worth taking seriously.

It bears repeating that just one sunburn can double your risk of developing melanoma.

“Sunburn should never be normalized,” Jaliman explained, noting that if you have a family history of skin cancer, you should be extremely cautious (although everyone (should wear SPF 30 or higher when exposed to the sun). “Genetics play a role. Families tend to have similar skin types, which can increase your risk of developing skin cancer if you have a strong family history of malignant melanoma.

If you’re wondering about that afternoon you spent in the sun last weekend and the slight pink tint that appeared on your shoulders or face, it’s important to know that that too is risky.

“Even turning pink from the sun indicates damage at the cellular level,” Fromowitz explained.

If you have a darker complexion and don’t tend to burn as quickly or easily as others, that’s no reason to let your guard down when it comes to sun protection. In fact, that might be a reason to be even more careful.

“Many people think that their skin type does not put them at risk for skin cancer from sunburn. It’s important to know that anyone can get skin cancer,” Jaliman said.

As Min Dengdermatologist at MedStar Health, told HuffPost that skin cancers (including melanoma) affect black and Hispanic people at a disproportionately fatal rate compared to white people.

“When skin cancer is detected in blacks and Hispanics, they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage and, therefore, have a poorer prognosis,” Deng said.

If you’re reading this story and panicking as you remember that painful burn you had at summer camp or the time you thought tanning regularly was a good idea, it’s important to know that there are still ways to prioritize your skin health in the future.

You may not be able to reverse the damage done, but you can certainly be on the lookout for the early signs of skin cancer. Early detection This is often the difference between a good and a bad prognosis.

“Everyone should have their skin checked once a year as an adult,” Jaliman said, noting that self-exams can also be important. “If you have a history of skin cancer and/or have suspicious moles, other spots, or a history of severe sunburn, you should go earlier.”

According to Jaliman, there are certain things to watch out for: atypical moles, i.e. those with a large diameter, asymmetry, an irregular border or different shades of color.

While most people know how to avoid bad sunburns (a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher is a good choice), it bears repeating.

“Expose yourself safely to the sun and wear sun-protective clothing (hats, UV-blocking fabrics, long sleeves, etc.),” advises Fromowitz. “Don’t forget to protect your eyes with UV-filtering sunglasses, too.”

And if you think this only applies to the spring or summer months, think again.

“The UV rays that cause sunburn are not as strong in winter, but they are still present,” Jaliman said. “The UV rays that cause these fine lines, wrinkles and skin pigmentation are present all year round. UV rays even penetrate clouds. »

There’s a reason why cloudy, windy days at the pool or beach can sometimes lead to serious sunburn.

If you cringe thinking about your 10-year-old’s inability to reapply sunscreen before a game of beach volleyball or surfing class, you’re definitely not alone. Make up for it by making a skin control at home right now, or by making an appointment with a dermatologist, could just be the difference between catching skin cancer early or missing it altogether.

Now stock up on sunscreen and thank yourself later.

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