| By Barbara Wexler, MPH |
In our daily lives, ultraviolet (UV) radiation surrounds us from the sun and various artificial sources. Although UV rays are essential for processes like vitamin D synthesis in the body, overexposure can pose significant health risks. Practicing UV safety is crucial for safeguarding our health and well-being.
First, it’s important to understand the types of UV radiation. There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging and contributing to the development of skin cancer. UVB rays primarily affect the outer layers of the skin, causing sunburn and also playing a key role in skin cancer development. UVC rays are absorbed by the ozone layer and don’t reach the earth’s surface in significant amounts.
Protection from UV radiation focuses on preventive measures. One of the most effective strategies is daily use of sunscreen. Sunscreen acts as a barrier, reflecting or absorbing UV rays before they penetrate the skin. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to shield against both UVA and UVB rays. A sunscreen’s SPF tells you how long it will protect your skin from UVB rays compared to how long your skin would be protected without any sunscreen at all.
There are two types of sunscreen formulations: chemical and mineral. Mineral sunscreens contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. People with sensitive or acne-prone skin may do better with mineral sunscreens, which are not absorbed by the skin and are less likely to irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions. The effectiveness of SPF largely depends on how much sunscreen is applied and how often it’s reapplied. Many people don’t apply enough sunscreen to achieve the SPF protection rating on the label. Apply about an ounce of sunscreen and be sure to rub it into the skin. Reapplying it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating, ensures continuous protection.
Although sunscreen is an important way to protect your skin from UV radiation, it doesn’t provide 100% protection. Sunscreen should be part of a broader sun safety strategy that includes seeking shade and avoiding the sun during peak UV radiation hours (usually between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM). Clothing also plays a vital role in UV safety. Wearing tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible can reduce UV exposure. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection shield the face, neck, and eyes from direct sunlight.
Practicing UV safety shouldn’t be limited to sunny days. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so even when it’s overcast, your skin can still be exposed to harmful UV radiation. UV rays also reflect off surfaces like water, sand, and snow, which means there’s risk of exposure even on cold, cloudy days. Adopting UV protective measures should be a daily, year-round habit, regardless of the weather.
Everyone needs protection from UV rays. Even dark-skinned people can suffer from sunburn and UV exposure-related skin damage. Children and teens are particularly vulnerable to the effects of UV radiation. Childhood sunburns significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Parents and caregivers should take extra precautions by applying sunscreen generously, dressing children in protective clothing, and encouraging them to seek shade during peak UV hours.
In addition to skin protection, UV safety also applies to eye health. Exposure to UV rays without proper eye protection can lead to cataracts and other eye conditions. Wearing sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses helps to preserve long-term eye health and reduces the risk of developing these conditions.
It’s important to remember that sun exposure isn’t the only source of UV exposure. Sun lamps and tanning beds are just as dangerous, and the American Cancer Society advises against their use.
Cultivating sun-safe habits not only protects against immediate sunburn and skin damage but also reduces the long-term risk of skin cancer and other UV exposure-related health problems. Practicing UV safety enables people to enjoy outdoor activities while protecting their skin and eyes from harm.
For more information, please see the “Tanning and UV radiation” portal in the Gale Health and Wellness database.
