Let’s Keep Having Fun in the Sun

Summer is in full swing, and that means longer days, vacations, and lots of fun in the sun! But while we’re running around and enjoying the season, our skin is taking the brunt of the heat, UV rays, and humidity. Whether you’re planning beach days, lounging poolside, or just spending more time outdoors, it’s important to protect our skin—no matter your age—from the sun’s harmful effects.

Okay, but what are UV rays?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an invisible form of energy given off by both natural sources, like the sun, and artificial ones, such as tanning beds. While natural UV exposure helps our bodies make vitamin D, an essential nutrient for bone and immune health, too much UV can cause some serious damage. From premature aging and wrinkles to sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer, UV rays can really mess up your skin—and your summer fun.

To know what you’re up against, let’s take a look at the three different types of UV rays.

UVB: Ultraviolet B
B = Burning

• Affects the top layers of skin
• Strongest during midday and summer months
• Causes sunburn and direct DNA damage
• The main cause of most skin cancers
  • Higher energy than UVA rays
  • Most cancers begin on the top layer of skin, where UVB affects
  • UVB causes sunburns—frequent sunburns increase risk of skin cancer

UVA: Ultraviolet A
A = Aging

• Penetrates deep into the skin
• Causes premature aging (wrinkles, sagging, and sunspots)
• Present year-round, and can penetrate glass (like car windows)
• Contributes to skin cancer, but not the main cause
  • UVB causes direct DNA damage, but UVA causes indirect DNA damage
  • Long-term exposure contributes more to aging and melanoma (a less common skin cancer)

UVC Rays: Ultraviolet C
C = Cancer-killing (not naturally a concern)

• The most dangerous type of UV, but…
  • This type of UV is blocked by the Earth’s ozone layer, so we aren’t naturally exposed to it
• Used artificially in germicidal lamps and sterilization equipment

“Prevention is always better than a cure, with sunscreen being your first step in preventing skin cancer and visible signs of aging,” says Shehla Belgam Syed, MD, from the Department of Dermatology. “Start using sunscreen early, and you will slow down photoaging and sun damage, and your skin will appear youthful and healthy—even decades later!”

So, when I get sunburnt, it’s because of UV rays?

Yes! Sunburns are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays—especially Ultraviolet B—which damages the DNA in your skin cells. Your immune system responds by increasing blood flow to the affected area, leading to inflammation, redness, and the pain you recognize as sunburn.

And while your sunburn will eventually fade, the damage to your DNA can build up over time. That repeated damage increases your risk of developing skin cancer—especially if you’ve had frequent or severe burns throughout your childhood.

What should I know about skin cancer?

Skin cancers are typically divided into two main categories: melanoma and non-melanoma.

Melanoma: This cancer begins in your melanocytes—the cells in your skin that make color and help protect your skin from the sun. Melanoma is less common, more aggressive, and much more likely to spread to other parts of your body than non-melanoma skin cancers.

Non-melanoma: These cancers mainly include basal cell carcinoma, which is most common and usually slow-growing, and squamous cell carcinoma, which is also common but grows more aggressively than basal cell carcinoma. Non-melanoma cancers are the most common cancers worldwide, but are also usually very treatable.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 people will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70. And while that number can be concerning, it is important to remember that even though skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, it is also one of the most treatable and easiest to detect.

Unlike most other cancers, skin cancer forms on the outside of the body, making it easier to spot in its earliest stages. That’s why dermatology providers encourage patients to perform regular skin self-exams. By keeping an eye on moles, freckles, or other spots and noting any changes in shape, size, or color, you could catch the early warning signs of skin cancer. And since early detection is so critical in the treatment of skin cancer, it’s important to be proactive and contact your provider with any concerns you may have about a spot on your skin.

How can I best protect myself this summer?

For many of us, the highlight of our summer involves soaking up some sun on a lazy day. And though it’s not possible to completely prevent skin cancer or to undo the damage already done to our skin by UV rays, there are some important steps and precautions we can take to keep ourselves looking and feeling our best.

• Wear sunscreen daily, yes—every day. UV radiation can cause damage even when you don’t expect it, especially on a cloudy day. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for daily use and grab a water-resistant one with an SPF of 50 or more for those longer days spent outside
• Don’t forget SPF lip balm! Any part of your skin exposed to the sun is at risk of damage, and that includes your lips
• Try to avoid direct sunlight when UV rays are at their most powerful—between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Keep babies and toddlers in sun-protective clothing and out of direct sunlight to avoid sunburn. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months, but it can be applied to their face and the back of their hands if necessary
• Don’t forget to protect your eyes! It’s easy for our skin to be our main focus when it comes to sun safety, but our eyes are also vulnerable to UV damage, so keep on those UV-blocking sunglasses
• Avoid tanning and tanning beds! Your “base tan” isn’t protecting your skin—it’s actually causing damage! Your risk of melanoma is increased by 3% every time you use a tanning bed

Being aware of UV rays and the danger they pose can make this summer and the summers to come much more enjoyable. Protecting yourself now is a great way to help future you.

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