9 Signs You’re Getting Too Much Sun

When the sun comes out, you do too! Basking in the glory of the sun and getting that bronze tan are pretty much summer essentials that take you on a happy high.

In fact, the sun plays a great a role in elevating your mood and keeping you healthy if research by Harvard Medical School is to be believed (1). Not only do you get your dose of vitamin D but it can even help reverse your SAD (read: seasonal affective disorder).

But as pleasant as warm, balmy days are, too much of the sun can affect your skin adversely and can even make you ill.

So, if you don’t want to fall prey to the evils of the sun, it’s vital you check if you’ve gotten too much of it. Here are 9 signs you’re getting too much of the sun and need to stop!

1. Sunburns

If you notice swelling and redness on the exposed areas of your skin, you’re getting much more of the sun than you bargained for. Known as sunburns, these are a classic sign that you need to reduce your sun consumption unless you want to go through this unpleasant and unsightly experience (2).

2 Skin Redness

A classic sign of a sunburn, if you notice this, it’s time for you to get sunscreen, an umbrella, and the scarves out. Why? Because if you don’t, your sunburn will become worse and lead to skin peeling. In fact, sunburns can even happen during the winter season, so don’t ditch the sunscreen just because it’s cold (3)!

3. Blisters On Your Skin

Another sign you’re getting way more sun than you should, blisters on your skin only take place when you’ve developed the most severe form of a sunburn (4). Blisters arise when the UV rays of the sun completely damage the cells of your epidermis, which, in turn, irreversibly damages the DNA of your skin cells. This can be quite dangerous and the effects of the blisters can last a lifetime. In fact, it could even increase your cancer risk if you get them before the age of 18.

4. Sun Poisoning

This might sound really scary but it’s not, as it’s not technically “poisoning.” Although that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it any less seriously. Sun poisoning actually refers to excessive sun exposure, which, in turn, leads to severe sunburns due to the damaging effect of the UV rays (5). It gives rise to plenty of other symptoms too such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, dehydration, fever, blisters, and inflammation. If you notice any of these signs, you must take shelter from the sun.

5. Headaches

A headache when out in the sun is your body’s way of telling you that it’s had enough of those golden rays and would like a break from it. Although headaches are a sign of sun poisoning, they can even be triggered by the sun’s brightness, according to Miami Headache Institute (6). In fact, in severe cases, the super bright rays of the sun can lead to migraines with light sensitivity being the reason for it. A simple way to avoid getting headaches in the sun is to wear sunglasses and avoid looking directly at the sun.

6. Not Sweating When It’s Hot

Sweating is a natural outcome of being in the sun. However, if you don’t sweat despite soaring temperatures, you might be overheating and suffering from hypohidrosis, which is another sign that you’ve gotten a lot of sun (7). If the lack of sweating is accompanied by nausea, headaches, and a rapid heart rate, you may be getting a heatstroke, which can be fatal (8).

7. Dehydration

Dehydration is not simply a lack of water and the consequent thirst (9). It can get so severe that you might even end up in the hospital! Signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, fatigue, sleepiness, thirst, and headaches, etc. to name a few. As soon as you notice these signs, get out of the sun and hydrate yourself.

8. Muscle Cramps

An unlikely sign of excessive sun exposure, muscle cramping can arise if you sweat too much and are dehydrated. If you’ve been running out on a hot day, you’ll know what we’re talking about. So, to prevent yourself from this sign of too much sun, either carry water with you or run at night.

9. Wrinkles

Wrinkles are a sign of long-term sun exposure and sadly, they are irreversible (10). The sun’s rays break down the collagen and fibrin in your skin, causing wrinkles even when you’re young. However, you can avoid this by using a sunscreen with a high SPF and staying out of the sun as much as possible.

As scary as everything mentioned above sounds, you don’t have to hide from the sun. You can still enjoy it as long as you take precautionary measures such as applying sunscreen, wearing the right clothes, and staying hydrated.

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