Practice Safe Sun!

With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the sunny weather. But are you protecting yourself from potential risks?

July is known as Ultraviolet Safety Month. During this time, the mission is to spread awareness about how important it is to protect our eyes and skin from the side effects of UV rays. This month continues to be a reminder on the connection between over exposure to UV light and cancers that occur in the eyes, lips, and the skin. The goal of UV (Ultraviolet) Safety Month is to spread the word about how important it is to protect everyone’s skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

What is UV Radiation?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation are invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to the skin and cause different types of skin cancer. It’s always important to stay safe when your family is playing in the sun.

While it may seem like a sunburn is a temporary irritation, it can leave long-lasting damage to your skin. According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, “Just one blistering sunburn during childhood can double the chances of developing melanoma later in life.”

Lengthened exposure to UV rays that can come from natural or artificial sources can cause most skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell cancers. People who run into more Ultraviolet rays can go through premature aging of the skin and signs of sun damage that include leathery skin, liver spots, wrinkles, and solar elastosis. A common aliment comes in the form of sunburn that can come directly from the sun or a tanning bed.

People who get too much UV light rays can also develop a weakened immune system. Although these outcomes can be scary, there are things you can do to help minimize your risk of sun exposure.

Ways to Protect Your Skin from UV Radiation

• Wear Sunscreen

Everyone should use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher every day, that covers both UVA and UVB rays. Even on cloudy days (check the UV index). Make sure to reapply every two hours and, if swimming, follow the directions on the bottle.

• Cover Up

If you are going to be out in the sun you should wear proper clothing. Opt for clothes that provide different levels of UV protection such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Colors can make a difference as well in your sun protection. Generally, the darker the color, the better the protection.

• Stay in the Shade

Because midday is when the sun is most intense, try staying in a shaded area from 10 am to 4pm to help protect your skin. You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter. Remember to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing even in the shade!

• Hat and Sunglasses

For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck.

Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.‍

• Avoid Tanning Beds

Tanning beds can cause just as much harm as the sun. Tanning beds and sun lamps can emit both UVA and UVB radiation. According to the American Cancer Society, tanning bed use has been linked to an increased risk of melanoma, especially if a person started using them before the age of 30.

Increased Risk for Some

While skin cancer can affect anyone, certain factors can increase your risk.

 Your Skin

The lighter your skin, the higher the risk for melanoma. If you tend to burn easily or have a history of blistering sunburns, this could make your risk higher as well.

Your Moles

If you have a lot of moles, or your moles happen to be on the larger side, your risk of melanoma could be higher.

Your History

A family history of melanoma or if you had melanoma in the past, you could be at a higher risk for melanoma. Also, if you have a history of blistering sunburns.

So, practice Safe Sun! Protect yourself and your family from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation while outdoors.