As we head outside to soak up some sunshine, it’s a good time to remember that July is UV Safety Awareness Month. It’s the perfect reminder to think about protecting ourselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Sure, the sun gives us vitamin D and boosts our mood, but it can also cause serious damage to our skin and eyes. In this blog, we’ll talk about why UV safety is so important, the risks of UV exposure, and some handy tips to keep your skin safe.
First off, the sun emits three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The good news is UVC rays don’t reach us because the Earth’s atmosphere absorbs them. However, UVA and UVB rays do make it to our skin and eyes, and they can cause various health problems. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, leading to long-term damage like wrinkles and accelerated aging. UVB rays are the main culprits behind sunburn and play a major role in skin cancer development.
What are the Risks of UV Exposure?
- Skin Cancer: This is the most common type of cancer in the US. Both UVA and UVB radiation increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Protecting your skin from UV rays is key to reducing this risk.
- Early Aging:UV exposure speeds up skin aging, causing age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Over time, it damages skin elasticity, leading to sagging and a loss of that youthful glow.
- Eye Damage:UV radiation can seriously harm your eyes, leading to conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (a sunburn of the cornea). Protecting your eyes from UV rays is crucial for long-term eye health.
- Immune System Suppression:Long-term UV exposure can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and less able to fight off certain illnesses.
Tips to Minimize These Risks
- Use Sunscreen & Seek Shade:Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Stay in the shade between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is strongest to reduce your UV exposure.
- Avoid Tanning Beds:Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation and increase the risk of skin cancer. They also accelerate aging, causing premature wrinkles and age spots. Opt for self-tanning products if you want a sun-kissed look.
- Wear Sunglasses:Sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays protect your eyes from harmful radiation. Wrap-around sunglasses provide the best coverage by protecting your eyes from all angles. Polarized lenses are great for outdoor activities as they reduce glare from reflective surfaces like roads and water.
July’s UV Safety Awareness Month is a great reminder of how important it is to protect ourselves from UV damage. By taking some simple precautions, we can enjoy the summer sun safely and reduce the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, eye damage, and other UV-related health issues. Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine and spread the word so everyone can enjoy the sun safely. Barris Laser & Skincare wishes you an amazing summer and hopes to see you soon!