Prolonged sun exposure without protection can cause not only temporary redness but also cellular DNA damage and increase the long-term risk of skin cancer, according to dermatologist Melek Kesir Koç.
"Repeated sunburns increase the cumulative damage to the skin. Severe sunburns, particularly those sustained during childhood, significantly raise the risk of developing skin cancer later in life," Koç said.
Koç, a dermatologist at Medical Park Göztepe Hospital, said the stronger angle of the sun during the summer months leads to greater exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, adding that sunburn should not be dismissed as a simple skin irritation.
Sunburn is an acute skin reaction caused by exposure to UVA and UVB rays, Koç said.
"Sunburn is more than skin redness. It causes DNA damage at the cellular level. Over time, this damage can accelerate skin aging, lead to permanent pigmentation and even contribute to the development of skin cancer," she said.
