Sunburns are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. Dermatologists do not advise peeling off sunburned skin.

Tearing off the skin can disrupt the process of its natural renewal and provoke a number of diseases. The details were provided by the Express.

Dermatologist Natalie Curcio explained that skin peeling can occur as a result of first- and second-degree sunburn.

"A sunburn occurs when the body's defences cannot cope with excessive exposure to ultraviolet light," the dermatologist said.

First-degree sunburns cause redness. They are painful to the touch, but affect only the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. A second-degree burn is more serious - swelling and blisters already appear on the skin. In both types, the skin may begin to peel off, usually after about three days. Flaking is a sign that the body is trying to get rid of damaged cells.

When the skin rejects the burnt epidermis, the process of self-healing and the formation of a new layer takes place. Peeling off the skin before it is ready for rejection can interfere with the renewal process. All kinds of infections can penetrate the skin. In addition, the risk of aesthetic defects, such as uneven skin tone, scars and painful blisters, increases.

Lisa Mason-Poyner, director of the Aesthetic Services Clinic, added that dead skin should be allowed to slough off on its own. You can moisturise it with a soothing aloe vera gel.

The peeling usually stops when the burn heals - after about seven days for mild to moderate burns.

Ultraviolet rays are the leading cause of skin cancer. Bruce Green, a certified scientist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, said: "Too much UV exposure also causes premature aging and skin damage. UV levels are always highest on average from 11:00 to 15:00."

The damage from UV radiation is cumulative, causing a long-term risk of cancer.

UV rays can damage the skin at all levels, from the epidermis (surface) to the dermis (deeper layers), including collagen and elastin fibres.

The best way to protect your skin from UV radiation is to use a high-quality sunscreen.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told how to choose a sunscreen and which SPF products can be dangerous.

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