Summer in the Capital Region has arrived — and with it, plenty of sunshine and outdoor fun. But before you head out to enjoy those warm, golden rays, it’s important to understand the risks of too much sun exposure and how to protect yourself and your family from harmful UV rays. A little awareness now can help you enjoy the season safely all summer long.

Ultraviolet (UV) light makes up only a small portion of the sun’s rays, but it’s responsible for most of the skin damage we see. Overexposure can harm DNA in skin cells, increase the risk of skin cancer, and accelerate signs of aging — like wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines. While the sun is the most common source of UV radiation, artificial sources such as tanning beds and sunlamps can be just as harmful.

UV rays aren’t all bad — they help our bodies produce essential vitamin D. But balance is key. Sunburns, premature aging, and serious health risks like skin cancer can result from too much exposure. That’s why protecting your skin from UV rays is a year-round responsibility, not just something to think about during beach vacations.

Sources of UV Radiation

Natural Source:

• The Sun – Our main source of UV radiation. It gives off UVA, UVB, and UVC rays — though UVC is mostly blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere.

Artificial Sources:

• Tanning Beds & Sunlamps – Emit mostly UVA rays and increase the risk of skin damage and cancer.
• Mercury Vapor Lamps – Found in stadiums, gyms, and industrial settings.
• Black Lights – Often used for special effects, these give off low levels of UVA.
• Fluorescent & Incandescent Lights – Some types emit small amounts of UV.
• UV Lamps – Used for sterilizing, curing materials, or medical treatments.
• Welding Equipment – Especially arc welding, which gives off strong UV rays.
• UV Lasers – Used in medical and industrial settings.

Understanding UV Radiation

UV radiation is divided into three main types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Fortunately, the Earth’s ozone layer absorbs all UVC and most UVB rays, meaning nearly all UV radiation that reaches us is UVA. While UVA is less intense than UVB, it penetrates deeper into the skin and is present consistently throughout the year — even on cloudy days. Both UVA and UVB can damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging and skin cancer. UVC, although the most dangerous type in theory, is almost entirely filtered out by the atmosphere and poses little everyday risk.

Risks & Benefits of UV Radiation

Benefits

While UV radiation can be harmful in excess, it does play an important role in human health. The body uses UVB rays from sunlight to produce vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium and phosphorus — key nutrients for strong bones and teeth. According to the World Health Organization, just 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure, 2 to 3 times per week, is usually enough to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.

UV light is also used in certain medical treatments. In controlled settings, artificial UV sources — such as UV lamps or lasers — are combined with photosensitizing medications to help treat specific skin conditions like psoriasis or vitiligo, especially when other therapies haven’t worked.

Risks

Too much UV exposure can cause both short- and long-term health problems:

• Sunburn is an immediate sign of overexposure.
• Premature aging (wrinkles, dark spots) and skin cancer are long-term risks.
• Certain medications and cosmetics — including some antibiotics, birth control pills, acne treatments, and products with benzoyl peroxide — can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light.
• Eye damage is also a concern; prolonged exposure without protection can lead to serious conditions, including cataracts and other vision problems.
• Skin cancer, especially melanoma (the deadliest form), is strongly linked to UV radiation.

Anyone can develop skin cancer, but the risk is higher for people who:

• Spend a lot of time in the sun or have frequent sunburns
• Have fair skin, light-colored hair, or eyes
• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Are over the age of 50

Protecting Yourself from UV Radiation

As mentioned, keeping yourself protected is an important responsibility all year long, not just when you go to the beach or during the summer months. Here is how to protect yourself from UV radiation:

• Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.
• Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
• Consider options to protect your children.
• Wear a wide-brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher for both UVA and UVB protection.
• Avoid indoor tanning. Indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for younger users; people who begin indoor tanning during adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk of developing melanoma.

Also, parents, remember to protect your children. Just a few severe sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Kids don’t have to be at the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun. Their skin needs protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they’re outdoors.

The UV Index scale helps us understand how harmful UV radiation can be on a given day. This useful tool forecasts the strength of the sun’s harmful rays. Remember, the higher the number, the greater chance of overexposure, leading to health concerns.

UV Index Scale Cheat Sheet

Check today’s UV index for your zip code using the EPA’s UV Index Search Tool.

Exposure Category	Index Number	Sun Protection Messages
LOW	< 2	You can safely enjoy being outside. Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen SPF 30+. (Did you know in winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength? It’s true. SPF is important year-round.)
MODERATE	3-5	Take precautions if you will be outside, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses and using sunscreen SPF 30+. Reduce exposure to the sun’s most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.
HIGH	6-7	Protection against sun damage is needed. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, use sunscreen SPF 30+, and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants when practical. Reduce exposure to the sun’s most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.
VERY HIGH	8-10	Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat, and sunscreen are necessary, and be sure you seek shade. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.
EXTREME	11+	Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat, and sunscreen are necessary, and be sure you seek shade. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.

 

Choose the Right Sunscreen for You

Choosing the right sunscreen can help reduce your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a sunscreen that says:

• Broad spectrum means a sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, both of which can cause cancer.
• Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF), which is a number that rates how well they filter out UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30.
• Use a water-resistant for up to 40 or 80 minutes. Sunscreens are not waterproof or sweatproof and must be reapplied every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
• Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years. Its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are six months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.

What To Do If You’re Concerned About Your Skin

Early detection of melanoma can save your life. Carefully examine ALL of your skin once a month. If you notice a new or changing mole, contact Community Care Dermatology to schedule an appointment to examine your skin thoroughly. Community Care Dermatology provides a full range of services in the field of medical dermatology. Dr. Hillary Siebeneck is a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Siebeneck and her staff are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care in dermatology and to creating a comfortable and compassionate forum for patients. The scope of practice includes skin cancer screenings, as well as treatment of a wide variety of cutaneous infections and non-infectious skin conditions. If you need to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the practice, contact (518) 783-3110 ext. 3031.

Source
www.cdc.gov
www.cancer.org