Protect Your Skin from UV Rays This Summer
Summer’s here — time for some fun in the sun! With the warmer weather upon us, we’re all eager to head outside and soak up some rays. But before you run out the door, are you doing everything you can to protect yourself from some of the more harmful aspects of the summer weather?
Though a natural product of the sun’s rays and a fantastic source of vitamin D, ultraviolet radiation can have harmful and even life-threatening consequences when too much is absorbed. Chances are, you’re familiar with sunburn — this painful sensation characterized by red, warm-to-touch skin is a short-term risk of UV overexposure, but long-term risks can include premature aging, potentially blinding diseases, and skin cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, UV rays are classified as three types: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). UVA rays, the most abundant type, occur at high intensity throughout the day and penetrate the skin beyond the upper layer and can potentially alter the structure of skin cells, indirectly damaging the cells’ DNA. This can cause damage to connective tissue and increase the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. UVB rays, which are generally most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., do not penetrate as deeply as UVA, but are more carcinogenic and thought to be the primary cause of sunburns and skin cancer, damaging skin cells’ DNA directly. Though UVC rays carry the most energy, they pose the least threat in their natural form as they are naturally absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere.
Stay safe while enjoying the sunshine. Take the following precautions to minimize UV exposure and ensure a happy and healthy summer.
- Stay in the shade as much as possible. Walking out in the sunlight is fine when it’s absolutely necessary, but when you’re kicking back and relaxing, try to find a nice, shady spot — doing so can minimize your risk of UV overexposure as well as heat exhaustion.
- Cover up exposed skin. Where clothes and hats that either cover or provide shade for exposed body parts like the head, face, neck, arms, and hands — the most common locations for skin cancer development, according to the CDC.
- Use sunscreen. Look for broad-spectrum protection, which safeguards against UVA and UVB rays. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or more frequently if you’re enjoying water activities like swimming.
The providers at Culbertson Memorial Hospital are here to provide the care you need to stay safe this summer. Search our providers or find a clinic near you.