Why did I get a sunburn???
By reinydawn
@reinydawn (11642)
United States
June 8, 2009 6:10am CST
Over the weekend, I was outside all day both Saturday and Sunday from about 10am to 5pm. Both days I was under an overhang from the building where I was doing my fundraising. I was totally in the shade with the exception of my feet early on Sunday - but that lasted about 15 minutes. Saturday was totally overcast and there was no sun. I didn't put on any sunscreen because I figured I didn't need it. I was under cover and there was no sun. I was fine Saturday.
Sunday though is a totally different story! I was in the same place - under the overhang, it's actually bricked so it's not like the sun could get through it like it would for cloth or something. There was sun out, but I was never out in it. I was always under cover. When I got home Sunday night, my face and neck were sunburnt. Then I noticed that my legs had gotten a little bit of sun too.
How does this happen when I wasn't in the sun? I mean does the sun reflect off of blacktop parking lots too? Or maybe the UV rays can just be in the air and get to me without direct sunlight? My husband and I are totally confused on this one... Now I need sunscreen in the shade???
3 people like this
6 responses
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
8 Jun 09
If there is a hot metal surface, or even if you are driving in a car and the windows of a car do not have sunburn protection or protection against UV rays, you can get a sunburn. So you do not need to be in direct contact at all with the sun.
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
9 Jun 09
Unfortunately I did find that out a bit too late. I thought I was safe. I guess I'm never safe from the sun...
@bunnybon7 (50970)
• Holiday, Florida
8 Jun 09
yes you need the sunscreen always when its hot and sunny. you've got the right answer right there. the least bit of wind or breeze carries the sun rays to your skin. we went to the beach one time and my friends 6mths old baby got a terrible sunburn even tho we kept her under an umbrella the whole time. it was sad. thats when we heard about it years ago.
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
9 Jun 09
Well, I know water, sand and white pavement will reflect sunlight and cause problems - all from experience - but now I get to add everything else to that list also. I'm definitely lathering up from now on!
@GardenGerty (169474)
• United States
8 Jun 09
Yes, a degree of sunshine will reflect off the pavement and tan you. Also it can bounce or reflect off the overhand. You can get a worse sunburn on an overcast day because each water droplet in the air acts like a magnifying glass and focuses the sun on you.
2 people like this
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
9 Jun 09
I'm usually pretty careful, especially on a cloudy day like Saturday was. But I was fine Saturday because I figured we were under cover... Apparently not so for Sunday. I've definitely learned my lesson!
@moondancer (7431)
• United States
8 Jun 09
Black does draw heat. I guess that's why you got burnt. Also the UV rays go through the clouds. You can get a sunburn on a cloudy day.
2 people like this
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
9 Jun 09
I think I should probably even start wearing sunscreen inside now...
@elemental69 (1559)
• Ireland
8 Jun 09
The sun reflects off anything black and throws the suns rays upwards again. Its like a mirror effect. The bricks that were behind you would work in the same way only they hold the heat and disperse it outwards again. :-)
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
9 Jun 09
It really bites though because I thought I was safe since I was in 100% shade. I mean it was almost dark enough to take off my sunglasses... I guess that's what I get for thinking!!! Definitely using sunscreen next time!
