July is UV Safety Awareness Month
July 24, 2023
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services named July as UV Safety Awareness Month to remind people to protect their skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. The goal being to not only spread the word about protecting your skin from UV rays during summer months but to highlight the importance of safeguarding against the sun’s harmful rays throughout the year.
Although the sun is vital for sustaining life and provides a pleasant warmth, it can also be detrimental to your health. The American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes that UV radiation is the predominant cause of skin cancers and encourages the public to adopt preventative measures for their health and well-being.
“Even brief outdoor activities without applying sun protection can accumalate enough UV damage to result in skin cancer, premature aging, dark spots, or wrinkles,” says Dr. Michael Steppie, President of Orlando’s Associates in Dermatology. Plus, the Mohs cancer surgeon reminds members of the community that exposure to any source of UV radiation (including tanning beds) can have long-term consequences.
Sunrays can reach your skin year round...
It is important to understand that UV is a form of electromagnetic radiation that can easily reach your unprotected skin even on cloudy or cool days when damaging rays reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand or snow. So, exposure when walking the dog, running errands, or any host of everyday activities can damage unprotected areas of skin.
Sun rays can also result in eye problems, such as inflammation of the cornea or the development of cataracts or pterygium. These conditions can adversely affect your vision. Moreover, UV rays may weaken your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off infections and even reduce the effectiveness of vaccines or routine medications.
Block UV Rays to Prevent Skin Damage
UV rays are a leading preventable risk factor for skin cancer. While sunlight is the primary source of UV radiation, artificial sources like tanning beds and welding torches also contribute. UV rays are a form of ionizing radiation, which means they have enough energy to damage DNA in cells. In turn, this genetic alteration can lead to cancerous lesions, growths, or moles.
There are three main types of UV rays that can impact your health and wellness:
1) UVA rays – These rays have the least energy but can still cause skin cells to age prematurely. UVA is linked primarily to long-term damage such as wrinkles but can play a role in some skin cancers.
2) UVB rays – With slightly more energy than UVA rays, UVB rays can directly damage the DNA in skin cells and are the primary cause of sunburns. They are also believed to be responsible for most skin cancers.
3) UVC rays – These rays have the most energy but are not normally a risk for skin cancer as they react with ozone high in the atmosphere and do not reach the ground but can come from sources like welding torches.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each year more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. than new cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. Moreover, one American dies every hour from a preventable form of skin cancer and one-in-five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
Don’t I need a good tan for Vitamin D?
Not at all. Contrary to popular belief, the body can produce an adequate amount of vitamin D in just a few minutes of sun exposure without getting a tan or burning the skin. Tanning is your body’s protective measure to limit UV damage to the outermost layers of skin by releasing melanin pigment that results in darkening, or a tan. The American Cancer Society suggests obtaining vitamin D from your diet or supplements rather than from UV rays. Worst of all says the Skin Cancer Foundation, any form of tanning can lead to skin cancer
Exposing your skin to tanning beds can also have harmful consequences. It is worth noting that the bulbs used in tanning beds primarily emit UVA light, whereas UVB light is required by the body to synthesize vitamin-D. Associates in Dermatology has long been a leader in the green sunscreen movement using mineral-based sunscreens called “sunblockers”, which sit on top of the skin and provide excellent protection from the sun's harmful rays, while also protecting the environment from adverse chemical pollutants.
Think About Sun Protection.. Year Round!
Do you only think about using sun protection when you're at the beach, pool or water park? Well, here's the thing - sun exposure adds up every day whether you're aware of it or not. Although sunshine plays an important role in daily living, excessive sun exposure can damage your skin regardless of your skin tone. So, while it's important for your health to get outside and stay active, don't forget to protect yourself from UV radiation.
Listed below are great ways to celebrate UV Safety Awareness Month:
Check the UV Index – Discover the secret to avoiding sunburn and protecting your skin and eyes from sun damage. Using the UV Index, you can plan your outdoor activities wisely and steer clear of overexposure. Associates in Dermatology and Dr. Michael Steppie have long been sponsors of Orlando’s Daily UV Index on Fox 35.
Apply Sunscreen or Sunblock – Protect your skin's appearance and health by applying a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to filter UVA and UVB rays. The daily use of sunscreen is the easiest way to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. But remember to combine sunscreen with other protective measures for maximum effectiveness.
Find or Create a Shady Spot – Stay in the shade whenever possible, especially during peak hours from 10 am to 4 pm. Walk on the shady side of the street, sit under an awning or umbrella, or find refuge under a tree. UV radiation in the shade is never zero, but with the right precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors year round while keeping your skin safe.
Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat – While sunscreen is a must for your skin, a wide-brimmed hat provides extra coverage from the sun’s damaging rays. When choosing a hat, opt for one with a wide brim to protect your ears, head, and neck. Remember to also apply sunscreen to any exposed skin if you're wearing sandals, flip-flops, or going barefoot.
Protect Your Eyes with Sunglasses – Whether it's a sunny or cloudy day, ultraviolet (UV) rays can still pose a risk to your eyes. It's important to wear sunglasses whenever you're outside during the day, especially if the UV index is 3 or higher. Prolonged exposure to bright sunlight increases the risks of eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Wear Protective Clothing Outside – Sun protective clothing looks great while absorbing or blocking damaging UV rays. In fact, it's one of the most effective ways to guard against sun damage and skin cancer while spending time outdoors. Shop clothing brands that provide UPF labels, so you know exactly how much protection you're getting.
Avoid Indoor Tanning Beds – Despite claims of a safer tan, there is no such thing when it comes to UV radiation. In fact, using sunbeds can put you at a significantly higher risk of all types of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, even just one session of indoor tanning before age 35 can increase your chances of developing melanoma by 75%.
No single method can fully protect you from the sun’s damaging UV rays. To achieve beautiful and healthy skin, try to incorporate as many as possible of the steps discussed above into your daily routine, regardless of where you are or what season it is. Even clothing leaves some skin exposed, so don't forget to apply sunscreen whenever you’re going outside. Spending time in the sun without sunblock can lead to serious damage like sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging.
Sun Protection Tips for Children
Kids spend a lot of time outside but are often unaware of UV dangers making them more susceptible to sunburn. To keep kids safe from the harmful effects of the sun, it's important to shield children from harmful sun rays that can cause skin cancer, premature skin aging, and eye injuries. Since babies are especially vulnerable, infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight as well as protected with hats and clothing.
The American Academy of Pediatrics approves using sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months whenever clothing and shade don't provide enough cover. The AAP says that parents can apply a minimal amount of baby-safe sunscreen with an SPF 30 or SPF 50 to newborns and babies under 6 months. The AAP recommends that parents use sunscreen that is labeled “broad-spectrum” with an appropriate sun protection factor.
As an adult, you need to be a good role model too. Wear sunscreen, put on sunglasses, and limit your own time in the sun. This not only reduces your risk of sun damage but also teaches your kids the importance of being mindful of the sun's rays. If your child has a tendency to burn easily, show them how to take extra precautions. As children become more independent, it's important that they learn about the physical dangers of too much sun exposure.
Prolonged sun exposure can cause blistering (second-degree burn) to unprotected skin. Call 800-877-7546 or use this website’s convenient Contact Us form to schedule an appointment online at one of our seventeen dermatology offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Lake Wales, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, Sanford, or St. Cloud.
