Don't Overdo It
Peeling Skin
Even if you don't develop a red, painful sunburn, skin can still be damaged by the sun. Evidence of this damage is peeling, which is the body's way of removing damaged, dead skin cells. If you notice your skin is peeling after spending time outdoors, it's a good indicator that you got too much sun.
Dehydration
Feeling extra thirsty? Chances are you're dehydrated from a day spent outdoors. The sun is known to deplete our bodies' natural fluids, making it extra important to hydrate throughout the day. While water is always the No. 1 choice for natural hydration, juices, coconut water or sports drinks can also help replace electrolytes lost while sweating.
Lightheaded or Dizzy
Feeling mildly lightheaded or dizzy after spending time in the sun could be due to a drop in blood pressure as your body diverts blood away from your brain and toward your skin in an effort to cool you down. Another possible culprit is dehydration. Doctors recommend sipping fluids and relaxing (away from the heat) to combat this problem. However, if you're extremely lightheaded or on the verge of fainting, it's important to see a doctor immediately, as it could be a sign of heatstroke.
Increased Heart Rate
Since sunburns can cause widespread inflammation throughout the body, it's not unusual for your resting heart rate to elevate slightly above normal. A rapid heartbeat, especially when combined with shallow breathing and feeling severely lightheaded, should not be ignored, as it could be a sign of heatstroke.
Confusion
Another serious sign of too much sunshine is confusion. Both heatstroke and heat exhaustion can lead to confusion, almost as if someone was intoxicated. If someone acts strangely confused after spending a lengthy amount of time in the sun, they could be experiencing either heat exhaustion or heat stroke and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Not Sweating
It's normal to perspire when your body is hot. One of the reasons people become dehydrated after spending a day in the sun is from all the moisture loss through perspiration. However, a dangerous sign you've had too much sun is not sweating, which is a common symptom of heatstroke. Typically accompanied by confusion and a rapid heartbeat, heatstroke is potentially deadly and should be treated by a medical professional immediately.
