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UV Protection Month

Summer has arrived, and while the sun is shining bright, it’s a golden time to highlight July as UV Safety Awareness Month! We all love to take in those warm summer rays, but it’s important to remember to protect yourself. The sun emits radiation known as UV-A and UV-B rays. Both types can damage your eyes and skin.

  • UV-B rays have short wavelengths that reach the outer layer of your skin
  • UV-A rays have longer wavelengths that can penetrate the middle layer of your skin

By learning the risks associated with too much sun exposure and taking the right precautions to protect you and your family from UV rays, everyone can enjoy the sun and outdoors safely. Here are the harmful things unprotected sun exposure can do:

  • Cause vision problems and damage to your eyes
  • Suppression of the immune system
  • Premature aging of the skin
  • Skin cancer

Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize the risk that comes with sun exposure.

Cover Up

Wearing a Hat (preferably wide brimmed) or other shade-protective clothing can partly shield your skin from the harmful effects of UV ray exposure. Proper clothing may include long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses for eye protection.

Stay in the Shade

The sun’s UV rays are most intense at midday. Staying in the shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. will further protect your skin. The sun can still damage your skin on cloudy days and in the winter. For this reason, it is important to stay protected throughout the year.

Choose the Right Sunscreen

This is extremely important. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new regulations for sunscreen labeling recommend that your sunscreen have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, and should protect against both Ultraviolet A (UV-A) and Ultraviolet B (UV-B) rays.

Use the Right Amount of Sunscreen

According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, most people apply only 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. When out in the sun, it’s important that you apply at least one ounce (a palmful) of sunscreen every two hours. You should apply it more often if you are sweating or swimming, even if the sunscreen is waterproof.

By taking the proper precautions and following this advice you and your family can enjoy the sun. If you notice any changes in your skin after being in the sun, be sure to talk to your SkinMD provider.
Enjoy the outdoors this summer and remember to protect your eyes and skin! To book an appointment with a SkinMD provider use our
online booking tool or call 708-636-3767.

 

Source: https://www.va.gov/qualityofcare/education/uv_safety_awareness_month.asp

 

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