Many people associate July with outdoor activities. However, the beach and barbecue season also brings increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are the primary cause of skin cancer. Since skin cancer incidence has sharply climbed over the past ten years, it is more crucial than ever to take extra care of your skin this summer.
Let’s examine how UV radiation can result in skin cancer as well as measures to avoid being overexposed to dangerous rays as part of July’s UV Safety Month. Yet to keep our vitamin D levels stable, we need some UV exposure.
What is UV radiation?
UVA and UVB photons, which make up UV radiation, can harm the cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. While UVB also causes sunburns, the primary risk factor for melanoma, UVA damages your skin genetically and causes ageing, age spots, eye damage, cataracts, and genetic damage.
How to protect yourself this summer!
Wear sunscreen – Even on cloudy days (check the UV index), everyone should use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Pick a sunscreen that offers water resistance and broad-spectrum protection. Apply sunscreen again every two hours, and if you plan to go swimming, follow the instructions on the container. Additionally, keep in mind that while sunscreen serves as a filter, it shouldn’t be your primary line of defence against UV radiation. Check out the additional safety advice listed below.
Cover up with protective clothing – Choose clothing with various levels of UV protection, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts, in place of shorts and short-sleeved shirts. Your sun protection can also be influenced by colours. Generally speaking, the protection is better the darker the colour. UV rays can pass through a fabric if you can see light through it. Wearing protective clothes is advised at all times, therefore wear a swim top when swimming! They are available in a variety of styles and thicknesses, are not only water-wicking, but also UV protected. An overhang or a building’s shade provide good sun protection. A study showed that while a beach umbrella is practical, it is not as effective at blocking off the sun’s rays as protective clothes or sunscreen.
Understand your own risks! – You can better protect yourself if you are more knowledgeable about sun protection. While anybody can develop skin cancer, several variables can make you more likely to do so. You may be at a higher risk for developing melanoma depending on how sensitive you are to the sun if you:
- A lighter skin tone
- Possess numerous unusual moles or nevi
- Massive birthmarks
- A history of excruciating sunburns Melanoma in your family or you have had the disease in the past
- You should be extra careful to protect your skin if you are more susceptible to developing skin cancer.
Wear a hat – Sometimes a hat serves as the best kind of sun protection. It is an easy way to shield your scalp, nose, forehead, and eyes. A 2- to 3-inch hat with a wide rim that covers your ears and neck is preferable.
Sun protection is available in most supermarkets and healthcare stores, making is more accessible to be safe!
If you ever have any doubts about your health and safety regarding the sun, it is always important to consult a professional in order to get the best and most important opinion, the opinion of a professional!
If you think we missed anything, please feel free to contact us at nurses@hollilander.com !
