Summer is the best time to enjoy sunlight through outdoor activities. Enjoying a swim at the beach, going on a hike, and outdoor sports are a few fun activities! While it is a great idea to enjoy time outside, there is one thing to be cautious about: UV rays. July is UV Safety Month, so let's learn about what UV rays are, how they can affect our health, and how to enjoy the sun safely.
What is Ultraviolet Radiation (UV rays)?
UV rays are invisible energy that come from the sun, which can also be man-made through tanning beds. Small amounts of UV ray exposure are healthy since that is our primary source of vitamin D outside of food, but too much can be harmful.
There are 2 types to be aware of :
1. UVA: can cause skin to wrinkle, tan, or burn.
2. UVB: can damage the outer layer of skin, causing sunspots, sunburns, blistering, and tanning.
How do UV Rays affect my health?
Some exposure to UV rays is safe, but long-term exposure can cause changes to the skin and lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer can occur because too much exposure damages your cells, where you have DNA. The radiation damages your DNA and causes your cells to divide and multiply too fast. This abnormal growth of cells causes tumors to form that can be cancerous. It is also important to note that tanning beds can have the same harmful effects as sunlight.
The three main types of skin cancer are:
1. Basal cell carcinoma
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
3. Melanoma
Basal and squamous cell cancers are highly curable when treated early and make up 95% of all skin cancers. The more serious of the three types of skin cancers is melanoma. It causes 75% of all skin cancer deaths and can spread to other organs in the body if left untreated.
Who is at higher risk?
Individuals who have:
• Fair-skin
• Freckled skin
• Skin that burns easily
• Light eyes
• Blond or red hair
Individuals with darker skin should also limit UV ray exposure, as everyone is at risk for skin damage and skin cancer. Speak to your doctor if you notice spots or moles on your arms, legs, chest, back, face, or neck that are new, changing in shape or size, or are asymmetrical. Spots, moles, and lesions can be signs of skin cancer.
What can you do to protect your skin from UV exposure?
1. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
2. Wear sun-protective clothing
3. Look for shade when outdoors
When enjoying activities outdoors, be mindful of safe sunlight exposure. Be proactive in your health to prevent skin cancer and have healthy skin. Speak to your doctor if you notice any unusual marks or lesions on your skin.