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UV Safety Month: July

UV Safety Month: July

What Is It?

July is UV Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and encouraging healthy sun-safety habits. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, working outdoors, or simply enjoying a walk, protecting your skin from UV exposure is important all summer long.

Tips to watch for when seeing the daily UV Index:

  • 0 to 2 – Minimal risk for most people. You can generally enjoy being outdoors, even during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), with little risk of sunburn.
  • 3 to 5 – Low risk for most people. You should try to stay in the shade when the sun is the strongest and be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • 6 to 7 – Moderate risk for most people. Seek shade during midday hours, wear a shirt and a wide-brimmed hat, use UV-blocking sunglasses, and apply sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen every two hours—or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
  • 8 or higher – There is a high risk from unprotected sun exposure. If possible, avoid being outside. And if you must, take some shade breaks and be sure to wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, a wide-brim hat, and tightly-woven fabric clothing with UPF protection.

AAD Recommendations:

  • Seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing.
  • Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
  • Stay hydrated.

Other Considerations:

Thinking about using a tanning bed before spending time outdoors this summer? Indoor tanning still exposes your skin to harmful UV radiation. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer each year are linked to indoor tanning. If you’d like a bronzed look without the health risks, choose a spray tan or self-tanning lotion instead.

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