22 Jul Summer Sun Safety Explained

July is UV Safety Month, a perfect time to take a closer look at how we protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. While we often hear the basics—apply sunscreen, seek shade, wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat—there are additional, less obvious ways to safeguard your skin and overall health during the sunny months.

Here’s a deeper dive into smart summer sun safety, including a few tips you might not have heard before:

The Basics Still Matter
Let’s start with a quick refresher:

• Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Shade: Seek it, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when UV rays are strongest.
• Protective gear: Sunglasses with UV protection, wide-brimmed hats, and UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing.

These are tried-and-true strategies that form the foundation of sun safety. But there’s more to staying protected than meets the eye.

Beyond the Basics: Sun Safety You Might Be Missing
Car Windows Don’t Block All UV Rays
Think you’re safe in the car? Not always. While your windshield blocks most UVB rays, side windows often don’t block UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging and skin cancer. Consider applying a clear UV-filtering window film to your car’s side windows-especially if you spend a lot of time driving.

Medications Can Increase Sun Sensitivity
Certain medications—like antibiotics (tetracycline), blood pressure meds, and even some over-the-counter anti-inflammatories—can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you’re taking any medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should take extra sun precautions.

UV Rays Can Penetrate Clouds and Windows
Don’t let overcast skies fool you—up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. Likewise, if you work near a window or enjoy lounging indoors in a sunlit room, UV exposure can still add up over time.

Be Mindful Around Water, Sand, and Concrete
Reflective surfaces like water, sand, snow, and even concrete can bounce UV rays back onto your skin, intensifying exposure. If you’re spending time near a lake, beach, or pool, consider extra protection, such as a higher SPF, UV shirts, or beach umbrellas.

Don’t Rely on Makeup for Full Coverage
Many cosmetics contain SPF, but the coverage they offer is usually minimal. For example, you’d need to apply a lot more foundation or moisturizer than most people do to actually achieve the listed SPF. Use a dedicated facial sunscreen underneath your makeup for better protection.

Check Your Sunscreen’s Expiration Date
Yes, sunscreen can expire—and when it does, it loses its effectiveness. Check the date on the bottle, and when in doubt, replace it. Sunscreen should also be stored in a cool place; extreme heat can degrade its ingredients.

Smart Habits for Long-Term Protection

• Get to Know Your Skin: Regularly examine your skin for new moles or changes in existing spots. Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, so keeping an eye on your skin’s appearance is an important part of sun safety.
• Think Seasonally, Not Just Summer: UV exposure isn’t limited to summer. UV rays can still be strong in spring and fall, and they reflect off snow in winter. Make sunscreen a year-round habit, not just a seasonal one.
• Hydrate Inside and Out: Hot, sunny days can lead to dehydration, which in turn can make your skin more vulnerable. Drink plenty of water and moisturize regularly to help support your skin’s barrier.

Takeaway: Stay Safe and Soak Up Summer Responsibly

UV Safety Month is about more than avoiding sunburn—it’s about protecting your long-term skin and overall health. By combining the basics with a few lesser-known strategies, you can enjoy all the fun summer has to offer while keeping yourself safe.

Got questions about sun protection, medications, or skin health? Talk to your primary care provider—we’re here to help you shine safely.