With summer officially at its peak, the longer days of traveling, beachgoing, and time outside are finally here.
While sun exposure helps your body produce Vitamin D, it can take a lasting toll on your skin. In fact, more than 90% of visible skin aging is linked to sun exposure, and repeated UV damage can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. The challenge is that much of this damage happens gradually and often without warning signs.
The good news is that many of the harmful effects of UV exposure are preventable. By understanding how ultraviolet rays affect your skin, recognizing early warning signs for skin cancer, and using sunscreen effectively, you can significantly reduce your risk while enjoying time outdoors.
As a family medicine physician at PartnerMD, I help my patients identify their risk factors for skin cancer, recognize concerning skin changes, and take preventive steps to protect their skin health.
In this article, we’ll go over different types of UV rays, sunscreen best practices, and simple prevention strategies that can keep your skin healthy for years to come.
Before exploring different types of UV rays, it helps to understand what UV radiation is and how it affects your skin.
UV radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun and certain artificial sources, such as tanning beds. While we are exposed to UV rays every day, excessive exposure can damage skin cells, collagen, and elastin fibers.
Over time, this damage accumulates and can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Not all UV rays affect your skin the same way. UV radiation is divided into three main categories:
UV rays help produce Vitamin D, which is essential for our health as humans. Vitamin D works alongside calcium to protect us against osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and increases fracture risk. It also supports our immune system, regulates our circadian rhythms, and contributes to overall mood and well-being.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions that UV rays tend to be the strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so proper sun protection is essential during your summer activities and outings.
Our skin cells are mighty, but they are only able to go through so much when it comes to the sun.
Just one severe sunburn can damage your skin cell DNA. With repeated exposure, and even if a visible burn is not present, your skin cells can begin to accumulate genetic mutations that may increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
We often think that applying sunscreen once every 24 hours will keep us protected for the entire day. The reality is that sunscreen gradually loses its effectiveness the more it is exposed to UV rays, and can be removed by water, sweat, towels, and activities.
It's also a common misconception that you do not need to wear sunscreen when it is cloudy outside. You can still have damage from the sun on days when it doesn't seem as strong.
Consider incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine, and apply it at least every 2 hours, especially if you are swimming, exercising, sweating heavily, or spending long periods in the sun.
With 1 in 5 Americans developing skin cancer by the age of 70, taking steps now can reduce damage in the future.
Many sunscreen options are on the market, including creams, gels, oils, and sprays, but how do you know which type of SPF strength to use?
When it comes to the level of SPF ("Sun Protection Factor") in sunscreen, it is recommended to aim for at least 30 SPF or higher. This amount blocks 97% of UVB rays, and the lower you get in protection, the less coverage you have.
For example, a 15 SPF would only protect you from 93% of the sun's rays. At the same time, the higher you go in SPF, the less difference you'll see in coverage. When going from 30 to 50 SPF, that number only jumps to 98%.
Follow these tips when shopping:
While spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer, protecting your skin should remain a priority year-round. Although UV exposure can contribute to premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer, many of its harmful effects are preventable. By understanding how UV rays affect your skin and how to use sunscreen effectively, you can take simple steps to reduce your risk and protect your long-term health.
At PartnerMD, our physicians help patients stay proactive about their health through preventive care and personalized guidance. Interested in learning more health tips and expertise from our physicians? Follow PartnerMD on social media to stay up to date on the latest news, trending topics, and health resources.