It’s common knowledge that we should all wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn and skin damage. But many of us aren’t aware of all the ins and outs of UV safety.

To bring awareness during UV Safety Awareness Month, let’s take a look at how sunlight affects the skin and what you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy while enjoying Colorado’s sunny summer.

Sunlight and Ultraviolet Rays

First, a brief science lesson: From 94 million miles away, our sun sends us the light and heat that make the Earth livable.  Light is a form of radiation, which is simply energy that travels in the form of electromagnetic waves. The sun emits four major kinds of radiation: visible light, radio waves, infrared and ultraviolet, or UV. UV light is also generated by tanning beds and sun lamps.

We can’t see UV radiation because its wavelengths are too short for our eyes to visually process. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a purpose. We need some UV radiation because it is absorbed by our bodies, which turn it into vitamin D.

The trouble is that too much UV light damages our skin. It causes skin to wrinkle, tan, burn and get sun spots. Over time, this damage accumulates and can lead to skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

Some people are more at risk of developing UV-related skin cancers than others.

If you have fair or freckled skin, burn easily, have light eyes and/or blond or red hair, you are more susceptible to skin cancer. Other risk factors include having a family history of skin cancer, spending a lot of time outdoors (for example, people who work outside), living somewhere sunny and high altitude (hello, Colorado!), having a history of bad sunburns and having moles that are large and irregularly shaped.

But even people without these risk factors can end up with skin cancer, so it’s important for everyone to keep themselves sun safe.

How to Prevent UV Damage

When it comes to long-term skin health, sunscreen is your best friend. Liberally apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 half an hour before you go out into the sun, then reapply every two or three hours after that. If you’re swimming or sweating a lot, reapply more often. Lip balm with good SPF coverage will protect your lips.

Avoid going out in the sun during peak UV radiation hours, which are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are outside during these hours, wear a hat that protects your eyes and face, wear clothing that covers your skin, and spend as much time in the shade as possible.

Check your skin regularly for any changes, and if you’re at risk for skin cancer, see your general care provider or a dermatologist once a year for skin exams.

UV rays can also damage your eyes, causing cataracts, macular degeneration and other problems. So wear sunglasses with UV protection whenever you’re out in the sun.

To review your skin health risk factors and have your skin checked, call Prowers Medical Center Clinic at 719-336-6767 to make an appointment.