During the summer months, we often hear reminders to wear sunscreen and protect ourselves from the sun. But why is this so important? Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can have serious consequences—not just for your skin, but for your eyes and overall health as well. As we recognize UV Safety Awareness Month this July, it’s the perfect time to explore how UV rays affect our bodies and how we can stay protected.

What Are UV Rays?

Ultraviolet rays are a type of invisible radiation emitted by the sun. There are two main types that affect human health:

• UVA rays: These penetrate deep into the skin and are linked to aging, wrinkles, and long-term skin damage.

• UVB rays: These are the primary cause of sunburn and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer.

Even on cloudy days, UV rays can reach your skin and eyes, making year-round protection essential.

The Impact on Your Skin

1. Sunburn

One of the most immediate effects of UV exposure is sunburn. Repeated sunburns, especially during childhood, significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.

2.Premature Aging

UVA rays break down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and age spots. This process, known as photoaging, can make the skin appear older than it really is.

3. Skin Cancer

Exposure to UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer, including:

• Basal cell carcinoma

• Squamous cell carcinoma

• Melanoma (the deadliest form)

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with UV exposure.

The Impact on Your Eyes

Your eyes are just as vulnerable to UV damage as your skin. Long-term exposure can lead to:

• Cataracts: A clouding of the eye’s lens, often caused or worsened by UV exposure.

• Macular degeneration: A leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

• Photokeratitis: Also known as "sunburn of the eye," this painful condition results from intense UV exposure.

• Eyelid cancers: Often overlooked, the thin skin around the eyes is highly susceptible to UV damage.

Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats can help minimize these risks.

The Impact on Overall Health

UV radiation also has systemic effects beyond the skin and eyes:

• Immune suppression: Overexposure to UV rays can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off certain diseases.

• Vitamin D production: While UVB rays help the skin produce vitamin D, only a small amount of sun exposure is needed. Excess exposure brings far more harm than benefit.

How to Protect Yourself

Protecting yourself from UV damage doesn’t mean staying indoors all summer. It means being smart about your sun exposure:

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours.

• Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.

• Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

• Check the UV Index daily to make informed decisions about your outdoor activities.

UV rays are powerful—and persistent. They impact your skin, eyes, and immune system in ways that can build up over time. Fortunately, most UV-related damage is preventable with consistent and mindful sun protection. As we mark UV Safety Awareness Month, take a moment to evaluate your habits and make sun safety a lifelong priority.