Sunburn in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, UV exposure happens year-round—even when it’s cold, cloudy, or windy.

You can see sunlight and feel heat, but you cannot see or feel UV radiation. That’s why you can get a serious sunburn on a cool April afternoon at Riverside Park, on a boat in Lake Michigan, or while skiing at Cannonsburg, even if the air temperature feels mild.

How Sunburn Happens

UV radiation:

  • Passes through light cloud cover
  • Is scattered by particles in the air
  • Reflects off surfaces such as:
    • Concrete and glass in downtown Grand Rapids
    • Water on the Grand River and Lake Michigan
    • Sand at West Michigan beaches
    • Snow and ice during our long Michigan winters

You usually don’t feel UV radiation damaging your skin. Sunburn can start in as little as 11 minutes, and the cell and DNA damage occurs long before the skin looks red.

What Sunburn Does to Your Skin

After intense sun exposure:

  • Skin may start to turn pink or red within 3–4 hours
  • Redness and inflammation usually peak between 12–24 hours
  • Increased blood flow to the area causes heat, swelling, and tenderness
  • The lymphatic system sends fluid to help repair the damage
  • Heat from the sun (infrared radiation) can cause first-degree burn damage

With longer or stronger UV exposure, damage goes deeper. Some people develop blisters and even second-degree burns. Most damaged skin cells in the outer layer (epidermis) begin programmed cell death.

As these cells die:

  • The outer layer peels away
  • New cells grow underneath—but some may still have DNA damage
  • Healing can take several days to a few weeks, depending on severity

Mild sunburn can usually be treated at home. Severe, blistering, or widespread sunburn needs prompt medical attention, especially in children and older adults.

Sunburn and Skin Cancer Risk in Michigan

Repeated sunburns—especially in childhood and adolescence—greatly increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

DNA damage from UV radiation may not be fully repaired. Over time, this can lead to abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably and become cancerous.

In Michigan, many sunburns occur:

  • Among children and teens spending time outdoors without protection
  • Around water (Lake Michigan beaches, inland lakes, pools)
  • During outdoor sports, festivals, and summer events in and around Grand Rapids

This is why sunburn prevention is extremely important for West Michigan families.

Typical Sunburn Symptoms

Symptoms of sunburn can include:

  • Changes in skin color, from pink to deep red or even purplish
  • Skin that feels hot or warm to the touch
  • Pain, tenderness, and/or itching
  • Swelling in the affected area
  • Fluid-filled blisters that may itch and later pop or break
  • Peeling skin a few days after the burn
  • In severe cases: headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, or dizziness

Blisters that break can reveal very tender skin underneath and are at higher risk of infection.

UV Levels and Seasons in Grand Rapids

Because Grand Rapids has cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, many people assume they only need sun protection in July and August. That’s not true.

  • UV radiation is not directly linked to temperature
  • You can get sunburned on a cool, breezy day
  • UV exposure can be high on:
    • Spring days with snow on the ground
    • Overcast summer days at the beach
    • On the water or near reflective surfaces

In West Michigan:

  • UV levels are often 3 or higher (when sun protection is recommended) from late spring through early fall
  • UV can also be high at higher elevations or on reflective snow during winter sports

Use a UV index app (such as the EPA’s or a weather app) or check local forecasts for Grand Rapids to know when UV is 3 or above.

How to Prevent Sunburn in Grand Rapids

During times when the UV index is 3 or higher, use a combination of sun protection measures. Don’t rely on just one method.

The “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide” Approach

Slip – on sun-protective clothing

  • Long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric
  • Clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating if possible
  • Cover as much skin as you can, especially during summer festivals, sports, or boating

Slop – on sunscreen

  • Use SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
  • Apply generously 20 minutes before going outdoors
  • Reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming, sweating, or towel drying
  • Don’t forget ears, neck, tops of feet, and the back of the hands

Slap – on a hat

  • Choose a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, ears, and neck
  • Baseball caps alone do not protect ears and neck—combine with sunscreen

Seek – shade

  • Sit under trees, umbrellas, canopies, or covered patios
  • Use shade at parks like Millennium Park, John Ball Zoo, and local playgrounds
  • Remember: UV can still reflect from water, sand, concrete, and snow

Slide – on sunglasses

  • Wear wrap-around sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays
  • Protects your eyes and the sensitive skin around them

When You’re Most at Risk in West Michigan

You’re more likely to get sunburned when:

  • Spending the day at Lake Michigan or inland lakes
  • Attending outdoor sports, concerts, or festivals
  • Fishing or boating on the Grand River
  • Walking, running, or biking on trails without shade
  • Skiing, snowboarding, or sledding when snow is on the ground

What many people call “windburn” in winter is often actually sunburn. Wind can dry your skin, but it doesn’t burn it—UV rays do.

Sun Safety for Babies and Children

Children’s skin is more sensitive to UV damage, and sunburns in childhood greatly increase lifetime skin cancer risk.

  • Keep all babies under 12 months out of direct sun when the UV index is 3 or higher
  • Use physical protection first:
    • Dense shade (strollers with sunshades, trees, umbrellas)
    • Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and pants
    • Soft, broad-brimmed hats

For infants 6 months and older, you may use a sensitive or toddler sunscreen on small areas of exposed skin (like hands and face) that cannot be covered by clothing or hats.

Widespread use of sunscreen on babies under 6 months is generally not recommended. Ask your pediatrician in Grand Rapids (or a local health system such as Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) for guidance.

At-Home Treatment for Mild Sunburn

There is no quick cure for sunburn—the body needs time to heal. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and support healing.

General Care

  • Get out of the sun immediately and stay out until your skin has fully healed
  • Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, especially on hot, humid Michigan days
  • Cool the skin:
    • Gently apply cool or cold compresses
    • Take cool baths or showers
    • Avoid hot water and harsh soaps that can irritate the skin

Soothing the Skin

  • Moisturize:
    • If your skin is not too painful, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel
    • This will not prevent peeling but can help with dryness and discomfort
  • Avoid butter or home remedies that can trap heat or irritate the skin
  • Do not pop blisters:
    • Blisters protect the underlying skin and reduce infection risk
    • If blisters break on their own, you may gently cover them with a clean, non-stick dressing

Medications

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help reduce pain and discomfort.
  • Always follow package directions and ask a pharmacist or your Grand Rapids primary care provider if you’re unsure.

When Skin Starts Peeling

Peeling is a normal part of the healing process:

  • Don’t pick or pull at peeling skin
  • Allow dead skin to detach naturally
  • Carefully trim detached skin that is hanging loose—do not rip it off
  • Apply a gentle moisturizer to the new skin underneath
  • If raw skin is exposed, you may use an antiseptic cream and a light dressing to reduce infection risk

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care in Grand Rapids

Seek medical care from your doctor, an urgent care clinic, or the nearest emergency department (such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health) if you have:

  • Severe sunburn with extensive blistering and pain
  • Sunburn covering a large area of the body
  • Headache, nausea, or vomiting
  • Fever or chills
  • Dizziness, confusion, or fainting
  • Signs of infection (increasing redness, pus, or red streaks from blisters)
  • Sunburn in a baby or young child

These can be signs of severe sunburn, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke, which require prompt medical attention.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

For information, support, or care related to sunburn and skin cancer prevention in the Grand Rapids area:

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or independent practices)
  • Local urgent care centers for evaluation of moderate to severe sunburn
  • Kent County Health Department – information on public health, heat advisories, and outdoor safety
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources – community education and prevention programs
  • Dermatology clinics in Grand Rapids – for skin checks, mole evaluations, and skin cancer screening

If you have concerns about repeated sunburns, changing moles, or your skin cancer risk, schedule a skin exam with a local dermatologist.

Key Takeaways for Sunburn Prevention in Grand Rapids

  • Sunburn is caused by UV radiation, not by heat or wind
  • You can get sunburned in any season in West Michigan, including on cloudy or snowy days
  • Cell death from UV damage leads to peeling skin and increases your long-term risk of skin cancer
  • There is no quick cure for sunburn—only time, protection, and symptom relief
  • Prevention is best:
    • Slip on protective clothing
    • Slop on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen
    • Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
    • Seek shade
    • Slide on UV-blocking sunglasses

Using daily sun protection—especially during late spring, summer, and early fall in Grand Rapids—helps protect your skin, reduce your risk of sunburn, and lower your chances of developing skin cancer later in life.