While protecting your eyes and skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a year-round responsibility, the warmer seasons like spring and summer bring additional risk as we spend more time outdoors in the sun.

That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services chose July to be “Ultraviolet Safety Awareness Month.” With summer in full swing, it’s a good time to be reminded about the harmful effects of UV rays and what you can do to protect yourself.

What is UV radiation?

UV radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun, as well as artificial sources, like tanning beds. The most common form of UV radiation is sunlight, which produces three main types of rays, differentiated by their wavelengths.

• UVA – About 95% of the UV rays from the sun that reach the ground are UVA rays. They have a longer wavelength that can penetrate the middle layer of the skin (the dermis).

• UVB – These rays account for the remaining 5%. They have a short wavelength that penetrates the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis).

• UVC – UVC radiation is the highest energy portion of the UV radiation spectrum and the most harmful, but the ozone blocks it from reaching the earth’s surface. The only way to be exposed to UVC is from an artificial source like a lamp or laser.

What are the dangers?

Both UVA and UVB rays from natural or artificial sunlight can damage the skin. The most common and recognizable risk is a sunburn, which is a result of short-term overexposure to UV rays. Prolonged exposure can result in premature aging as well as serious health issues such as skin cancer and potentially blinding eye diseases. 

• Skin cancer: Too much UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds can damage the DNA in our skin cells. If enough DNA damage builds up over time, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, causing cancer. Basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer are the most common types of skin cancer and tend to be found on sun-exposed parts of the body like your head, neck, face, hands and arms. Melanoma is the least common but most serious type of skin cancer caused by overexposure to UV radiation.  

• Eye damage: Many people are unaware that UV radiation can damage the eye’s surface tissues as well as the cornea and the lens. Too much sun exposure increases your chances of developing cataracts, eye cancer and growths on the eye like pterygium, also known as surfer’s eye.

Anyone can experience harmful health effects from UV radiation, but the risks increase in people who:

• Spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned.

• Have light-colored skin, hair, and eyes.

• Use some types of oral and topical medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and benzoyl peroxide products.

• Wear certain cosmetics that increase skin and eye sensitivity to UV in all skin types.

• Have a family member with skin cancer.

• Are over age 50.

Ways to protect yourself

Being out in the sun is a part of life. Depending on where you live, it could be a daily occurrence. So, you don’t need to avoid the outdoors or skip vacations at the beach – just remember to take the following precautions and be aware of the amount of time you spend in the sun. 

• Choose the right sunscreen: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends you wear a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) that is at least 15 and it should cover both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen liberally to all uncovered skin, especially your nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and lips and reapply every 2 hours, or more often if swimming or sweating

• Wear sunglasses: Choose sunglasses with a UV400 rating or “100% UV protection” on the label. These sunglasses block more than 99% of UVA and UVB radiation and provide the most protection against UV rays.

• Cover up: If you are going to be out in the sun for a long period of time, wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. 

• Stay in the shade: Try staying in the shade midday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is most intense.

• Avoid indoor tanning: People who begin indoor tanning during adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk of developing melanoma.

• Don’t let the clouds fool you: Know that clouds don’t block UV rays. The sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds.

Sun health

Small doses of sun are good for your health. Healthy exposure to sunlight can have positive effects, such as helping your body produce Vitamin D – which is good for your bones, blood cells and immune system – and boosting serotonin, a chemical in your brain that can give you more energy and help keep you calm and focused.

If you’re concerned about the amount of sun you should be getting, or if you would like to speak with a doctor about skin or eye problems, you can book an appointment with one of our primary care doctors.

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