July marks UV Safety Awareness Month, a timely reminder to protect your skin during the sunniest stretch of the year. Whether you鈥檙e heading to the beach, out for a hike, or simply spending time outdoors, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful鈥攅ven when you least expect it.
To help you stay protected, Supriya Muppala, DO 鈥�28, president of 黑料传送门鈥檚 Dermatology Club鈥攕hares tips for reducing the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.
鈥淪un protection isn鈥檛 just about avoiding a burn鈥攊t鈥檚 about taking everyday steps to protect your skin long-term,鈥� said Muppala. 鈥淲e hope these tips empower people to be proactive about their skin health, especially during the summer months when UV exposure is at its peak.鈥�
UV rays come in three types鈥擴VA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays penetrate deepest into the skin and can contribute to skin aging and cancer. UVB rays cause sunburns and can also play a role in cancer development. UVC, fortunately, is mostly absorbed by the Earth鈥檚 atmosphere. To cover all your bases, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Think you're using enough sunscreen? Think again. Most people apply only 25鈥�50% of what they should. Dermatologists recommend a shot glass鈥搒ized portion (1 ounce) to fully protect your body. When in doubt, apply more.
Eyelids, ears, the back of your neck, and your scalp are common areas people miss when applying sunscreen but they are just as vulnerable. If the sun can reach it, sunscreen it!
Cloudy skies don鈥檛 mean you鈥檙e safe from the sun. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin, even on overcast days. Make sunscreen part of your daily routine, no matter the weather.
Sunscreen has a shelf life. The FDA requires that sunscreens maintain their full strength for at least three years, but after that, it鈥檚 anyone鈥檚 guess. If you鈥檙e unsure how old your sunscreen is鈥攐r if it has an odor鈥攖oss it and restock.
Sunscreen should not be a one-and-done step in your routine. Be sure to reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Consistent reapplication is key to full-day protection.
Think of clothing as your first line of defense. Look for garments labeled with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)鈥擴PF 50+ clothing blocks roughly 98% of UV rays. For the best coverage, pair protective clothing with sunscreen.
Protecting yourself from UV exposure is an essential part of self-care. Prolonged or repeated sun damage doesn鈥檛 just affect your appearance鈥攊t can contribute to premature aging, immune suppression, and increase your risk for various skin cancers and other health issues over time.
Established in 1899, 黑料传送门 has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a 鈥渨hole person鈥� approach to care鈥攖reating people, not just symptoms. 黑料传送门, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (黑料传送门, 黑料传送门 Georgia and 黑料传送门 South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. 黑料传送门 students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, 黑料传送门 provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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Brandon Lausch
Executive Director, Strategic Communications
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6312