Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
As the summer sun shines bright, July isn't just about enjoying the outdoors—it's also UV Safety Month. This month is all about raising awareness on how to protect yourself from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. While the sun gives us light and warmth, too much exposure can be dangerous. Here's how you can enjoy your time outside while keeping yourself and your loved ones safe from sun damage.
What is UV Radiation and Its Risks?
UV radiation from the sun is invisible but harmful. It comes in three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The Earth's atmosphere absorbs most UVC rays, but UVA and UVB rays reach us and damage our skin. Prolonged exposure causes sunburns and premature aging and increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, especially in young people. UV radiation can mutate DNA in skin cells, leading to skin cancer. It also creates harmful molecules that damage cells and harm skin health. Protecting our skin from UV rays is essential.
Five Essential Tips for Sun Safety
Wear a Broad-Brimmed Hat. A wide-brimmed hat protects your face and ears from sunburn. Unlike baseball caps, it offers extensive coverage and shields sensitive areas from direct sunlight. Hats with ponytail openings provide comfort and protection for those with long hair.
Reapply Sunscreen Regularly. If you're sweating or swimming, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours or more often. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously to all exposed skin, including the ears and the back of the neck.
Cover Up with Protective Clothing. Clothing can effectively block UV rays. Choose tightly woven, dark fabrics for better protection than light, loose weaves. Photo-protective clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF) rating is highly effective. Cover your arms and legs, and wear sunscreen under your clothes for extra defense.
Stay Hydrated. Spending time outdoors in the summer heat requires drinking more water to prevent dehydration. Proper hydration supports health and prevents heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to stay hydrated during outdoor activities.
Protect Your Eyes. UV damage to the eyes can cause cataracts and macular degeneration. To safeguard your vision, wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection. A hat can also help shield your eyes from the sun. Remember, UV rays are a threat even on cloudy days.
Can You Get Sunburned on Cloudy Days?
Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds, making it essential to take precautions even when the sun isn’t shining brightly.
Do Darker Skin Tones Need Sunscreen?
While melanin provides some protection, people with darker skin are still at risk for sun damage and skin cancer. Everyone, regardless of skin tone, should use sunscreen.
Is Sunscreen Only Necessary in Summer?
UV rays can damage your skin year-round. Snow and ice can reflect sunlight, increasing UV exposure in winter. Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine, no matter the season.
Be Aware of Photosensitivity from Medications
Did you know that certain prescription medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight? This increased photosensitivity can put you at higher risk for skin damage or even skin cancer. Medications like certain antibiotics, acne treatments, and topical patches are among the most common culprits.
- Antibiotics such as Bactrim can make sunburns worse. Other antibiotics that increase sun sensitivity include tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline.
- Acne treatments like retinoids (Retin-A, Tazorac) can make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
- Topical patches like clonidine, which deliver medication through the skin, can enhance the effects of UV rays.
- People with autoimmune diseases such as lupus are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer due to their compromised immune systems. Additionally, some treatment drugs for various conditions can suppress the immune response, increasing the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma.
Taking one or more of these medications doesn’t guarantee worsened sun damage. With proper sun protection, you might even find that your skin tans more easily. However, individual reactions to these medications can vary. It’s important to take the right steps to protect your skin from harmful UV exposure.
Remember to use your RxLess prescription discount card to save on your medications. Better yet, download the free app and become a member of the RxLess Assurance Plan for the best discounts on the go If you have a health savings account (HSA), many providers allow you to use it for preventative health products like sunscreen. Check your plan details to see if this applies to you.
