What if the real danger of sunburn has nothing to do with the redness, the pain or the peeling?

We already know UV radiation damages skin cells, though scientists have never fully understood the step-by-step process linking sunburn and skin cancer.

Now a new study reveals a hidden chain reaction inside the cell, one that begins long before the burn becomes visible.

The protein that could explain the link between sunburn and cancer

In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers found that prolonged UV exposure degrades a protective protein called YTHDF2. Under normal conditions, this protein helps prevent inflammation from spiralling out of control.

But when UV rays break it down, the skin loses a crucial defence mechanism.

How UV damage triggers inflammation inside the cell

YTHDF2 normally binds to a tiny RNA molecule in the cell and helps to keep inflammation under control. But when YTHDF2 levels drop after heavy sun exposure, a few things happen:

• The RNA piles up where it should not, and moves to areas where it should not be
• The cells then think there is danger
• An immune sensor switches on unnecessarily
• This triggers strong inflammation

And that inflammation is one of the processes that can lead to long-term damage linked to skin cancer.

Understanding this chain reaction inside your cells helps explain why South Africans, who face year-round high UV levels, are particularly vulnerable to skin damage and long-term cancer risk.

Why this sunburn skin cancer link matters in South Africa

Over 90% of skin cancers worldwide are caused by excessive UV overexposure, and South Africa faces some of the highest UV radiation levels globally throughout the year.

This finding helps scientists understand the link between sunburn and skin cancer at the molecular level. If you really want to glow and look good in your summer outfits, there are ways to do it safely. In separate cancer research, scientists found a potential connection between greying hair and cancer.

Prevention still matters the most

Even with research breakthroughs, dermatologists agree that sun protection remains your strongest defence against melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

According to CANSA:

• Avoid direct sun between 10:00 and 15:00
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 20–50+), and reapply often
• Wear hats, UV-protective clothing and UV-rated sunglasses
• Do regular skin checks and watch for changes in moles or marks

A dermatologist from Morningside Clinic in Sandton said he was diagnosing up to 30 skin cancer cases per week in his practice, according to a 2024 media report. This shows the reality and link between sunburn and skin cancer in South Africa.

This should serve as a warning for anyone working outdoors, athletes and people who spend long hours in the sun face especially high risk. This study shows that sun protection isn’t just about avoiding a sunburn today, but protecting your cells from long-term damage and minimising your skin cancer risk.

Does this change how you feel about sun protection in South Africa?