When the skin is burnt, the cells in your skin release chemicals that trigger inflammation. Then, within 12 hours, skin cells begin to die, and the inflammation turns the skin darker red.

We also know that UV radiation damages your DNA, setting you up for possible skin cancer and suppressing immunity. However, the skin tries to fight back. As soon as one exposed to UV radiation, cells called “melanocytes” release pigment that blocks UV rays – in the form of a tan that can reflect UV light.