k on Nostr: Sunburn is caused by high energy light destabilizing electrons in the molecules in ...

Sunburn is caused by high energy light destabilizing electrons in the molecules in your cells. Some molecules will become free radicals when hit by uv light. The polyunsaturated fatty acids that make up seed oils are one of these kinds of molecules. The double bonds between carbon atoms in the unsaturated fatty acid will turn into free radicals when exposed to the right frequency of light. Saturated fats do not have double bonds that can be affected this way.

It’s important to note that the body preferentially uses saturated fats when it burns fat, so once you stop eating polyunsaturated fat it’ll take a few years before it’s safe to go out and get a ton of sun.