July is UV Safety Awareness Month!

Let’s debunk a few myths surrounding UV rays

Myth 1: I don’t need to worry about UV radiation when it’s cloudy.

The truth is that UV rays are just as harmful on cloudy days as on sunny days. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds. So, even if you’re only going to be outside for a short period of time on a cloudy day, it’s important to take precautions against UV exposure.

Myth 2: I don’t need to worry about UV radiation if I have dark skin.

While it’s true that people with darker skin have a higher natural SPF than those with lighter skin, this does not mean that they are immune to the effects of UV radiation. Darker skin can still suffer from sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. So, it’s essential for everyone – regardless of skin color – to take steps to protect themselves from UV radiation exposure.

Myth 3: I don’t need to worry about UV radiation when wearing sunscreen.

While sunscreen is a vital part of any sun safety plan, it’s not the only thing you need to do to protect yourself from UV radiation. You should also take steps to avoid excessive sun exposure and wear protective clothing when you are in the sun.

Stay safe and protect yourself from UV rays!

Fortunately, there are easy ways to keep sun exposure safe:

• Cover Up: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, pants, and sunglasses.
• Stay shaded: The sun is strongest at midday. Seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun can still damage your skin on cloudy days or in the winter, so it’s important to wear protection all year long.
• Wear sunscreen: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
• Use enough sunscreen: The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention advises applying at least one ounce (a palmful) of sunscreen every two hours, and more often if you are sweating or swimming–even if the sunscreen is waterproof.

Source : https://skinandcancerinstitute.com/july-is-uv-safety-month/