Prevent skin & eye damage & reduce your risk of skin cancer with these simple UV safety tips
Now’s the time to get outside and make the most of the summer weather before things start to cool down.
But with sunlight comes ultraviolet or UV radiation, which can wreak havoc on your skin and eyes if you’re not careful. In fact, most skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV rays from natural sunlight, as well as cataracts, corneal damage, and retinal degeneration.
That’s why we’re kicking off UV safety month with this list of eight essential tips to stay protected during your outdoor summer fun.
Always Check the UV Index Before You Step Outside
Luckily, being mindful of UV safety is as simple as checking your weather app. Whenever you’re about to embark on an outdoor adventure, take a moment to check the UV index and see the current level of exposure risk.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the following is how you should read and respond to the UV index:
- 1-2 Means Low Risk of Harmful UV Exposure – There’s no need to take any UV safety measures. It’s perfectly safe to soak up the sun with “minimal” protection.
- 3-7 Means Moderate to High Risk of Harmful UV Exposure – Use sunscreen (broad spectrum SPF-15 or higher), stick to the shade from mid-morning to late afternoon, and wear sun protective clothing and accessories (wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, etc.).
- 8+ Means Very High to Extreme Risk of Harmful UV Exposure – Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible (especially from mid-morning to late afternoon), generously apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF-15 or higher), and wear protective clothing and accessories to cover as much skin as possible.
Work Around the Hottest Time of Day
Heat and UV radiation peak around midday (from mid-morning to late afternoon).
Ideally, you should plan your outdoor activities around this timeframe so you can give your body a break from direct sun exposure—whether by taking cover indoors, under a canopy of trees, an umbrella, a bimini, etc.
Don’t Skimp on the Sunscreen
There are two types of UV rays that can harm your skin: UVA rays (which age your skin) and UVB rays (which cause sunburns).
To protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, invest in broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Before you step outside, apply sunscreen liberally on all exposed areas. If your back is exposed, get a friend or family member to help apply it there, and be sure to return the favor.
If you’re out and about for several hours, make sure to reapply regularly. Once every two hours is the standard, and every time after you swim, dry off with a towel, or sweat.
Suit Up for UV Safety
With a layer of sunscreen on, clothing acts as your second line of defense.
If you have light, flowy, long-sleeve shirts and full-length pants or bottoms in your wardrobe, these items will provide the most protection. Unfortunately, they’re not always the most realistic.
If you need to show more skin, do your best to hide as much as you can with shirts, shorts, and cover-ups.
And don’t forget a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses!
These accessories do much more than simply prevent the sun from blinding you. They also shield your face and eyes from harmful UV rays, helping to minimize damage.
If You Can’t Find Shade, Create it
As mentioned previously, it’s always best to stick to the shade as often as possible, especially if you’re spending a good chunk of your day outside.
But of course, that’s not always an option.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to bring a source of shade that’s relatively easy to set up, like a parasol, beach umbrella, or canopy.
If you don’t have any of these items and there’s no shade in sight, apply additional sunscreen, cover up as much skin as possible (using a towel, extra shirt, or whatever else you have on hand), and throw on a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses if you haven’t already.
Stay Away From Tanning Beds
Remember those harmful UV rays we talked about earlier?
Tanning beds emit both kinds—UVA and UVB—which are prime contributors to premature skin aging and skin cancer. However nice it might feel to have a tan now, the long-term damage to your body simply isn’t worth it.
If, for whatever reason, you absolutely need to have a tan and fast, find a spray tan salon near you or pick up some self-tanning products instead. These will help you achieve the same or similar sun-kissed glow without damaging your body.
Don’t Be Fooled By Overcast Skies
Finally, you’d think that if the sun is obscured by clouds, you wouldn’t have to worry about UV safety. But just because you’re not in direct sunlight doesn’t mean you’re safe from UV radiation.
The EPA states that while cloud cover can help, it still lets a large percentage of UV rays through:
“Clear skies allow virtually 100% of UV to pass through, scattered clouds transmit 89%, broken clouds transmit 73%, and overcast skies transmit 31%.”
So, don’t ditch the sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade as soon as you see cloudy skies. Take care to follow the UV safety measures in this guide to ensure you and your loved ones stay protected this summer.
Have fun out there!