Why does sunburn peel?

Answer by  km8738 (1917)

The peeling that occurs after a sunburn starts to subside is caused simply by dead skin. If a burn is harsh enough it will destroy some of your living skin cells and they will no longer have the moisture or connection to stay with the living skin. If you get burned enough, your skin will not peel as much.

Answer by  brett29 (467)

To many UVA and UVB rays will kill the skin cells. When your skin is dead it peels off or falls off.

Answer by  monkeyz (3150)

The peeling of sunburned skin is a way for your body to rid itself of damaged and potentially dangerous cells. Because your skin is so damaged, the body sheds it all at once to make way for new, fresh, healthy skin underneath rather than waiting the usual amount of time.

Answer by  Latin4 (11170)

The sun burns the outer layer of the skin and becomes dry and will peel off. That's just nature. It's like burning yourself while cooking, if its hot enough it will blister and then peel.