Enjoy the Summer Sunshine – Safely!

Now that summer is in full swing, many of us are excited to spend more time outdoors, basking in the warm sunshine. 

However, it’s crucial to remember that along with the pleasures of sunshine comes the potential risk of exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can cause a range of health issues – everything from sunburns and premature aging to an increased risk of skin cancer. 

July is National UV Safety Awareness Month and a good time to provide some information to help you understand the risks associated with UV rays, as well as some essential tips to help you protect your skin while enjoying the sun responsibly.

Risks of Unprotected Sun Exposure

First, some key facts: Ultraviolet radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. It consists of three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC is mostly absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, UVA and UVB rays are not. UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburns, can damage the outer layers of the skin. UVA rays, which can penetrate deeper, are associated with premature skin aging, such as wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin.

Prolonged or unprotected exposure to UV rays can also have serious consequences for our health, including an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is strongly linked to UV exposure. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), nearly 20 Americans die of melanoma every day. 

And remember: Getting too much sun isn’t the only danger. Regular use of tanning beds, which emit intense UV radiation, also increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

Effective Use of Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation when outdoors – as long as you do so correctly! 

Here are some tips on how to avoid some common mistakes associated with sunscreen use:

• Check the label first: Use only a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher on all skin not covered by clothing. The AAD recommends an SPF of at least 30 for most people and most climates. Once you go higher than SPF 30, you only get incremental additional protection.
• Don’t skimp on the sunscreen: According to the AAD, most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. To make sure you’re protected, you’ll need about one ounce of sunscreen – or enough to fill a shot glass. Apply sunscreen generously to cover all skin not covered by clothing at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
• Use even when it’s cloudy: The sun emits harmful UV radiation all year long. Apply sunscreen on exposed skin every time you go outside, even on cloudy days.
• Check the expiration date: All sunscreens are required by the FDA to retain their original strength for at least three years. If your sunscreen has expired or if you’re unsure how long you’ve had it, throw it away and buy a new batch. To make sure it remains effective, avoid placing the container in the direct sun or exposing it to excessive heat.
• Don’t rely just on sunscreen: Remember – no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UV rays.

Other Sun Safety Tips

Here are some of the other effective measures you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from UV radiation and reduce the risk of sun-related health issues:

• Seek shade: Limit your direct sun exposure during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When outside, try to find shade under trees, umbrellas, or canopies.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. For more effective sun protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label. Choose wide-brimmed hats to shield your face, neck, and ears. Don't forget to wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as excessive sun exposure can lead to dehydration.
• Be mindful of reflecting surfaces: UV rays can bounce off surfaces like sand, water, and concrete, increasing your exposure. Take extra precautions if you are in this kind of environment by applying sunscreen and wearing protective gear.
• Protect children: Children are more vulnerable to UV radiation due to their sensitive skin. Keep infants under 6 months out of direct sunlight, dress them in protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly to exposed areas. Make sure older children and teenagers keep reapplying sunscreen when they’re at the beach or taking part in another activity such as hiking or camping and likely to get distracted.

By following these simple yet crucial steps, you can enjoy all the fun outdoor summer activities while reducing your health risk. 

And practicing sun safety – including the correct use of sunscreen – during the summer months will, hopefully, prompt you to make protecting your skin from UV radiation a year-round habit!