Texas Sun Safety

Summer time in Texas gets here quick and before we know it, temperatures will be three-digits. As we prepare to handle the summer heat, it is also important to prepare for summer UV rays. Ultraviolet radiation, commonly called UV rays, emitted from the sun are harmful to your skin and excessive exposure to them is the most preventable cause of all skin cancers.

The three main types of skin cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and according to the National Cancer Institute it is estimated that there will be 97,610 new cases in the United States as well as 7,990 deaths in 2023. While melanoma only accounts for roughly 1% of all skin cancer cases, it is responsible for nearly all skin cancer related deaths.

UV radiation is a natural energy produced by the sun and we rely on it for production of vitamin D. However, overexposure to UV radiation may lead to dangerous health situations. Risks of over exposure include sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Protection from UV radiation is important all year round, but exceedingly important during summer months when we increase our exposure. There are three types of UV radiation, ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). UVC rays are almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer in our atmosphere and therefore present very little risk to humans. Similarly, a large portion of UVB rays are also absorbed by the ozone layer, but not all. Most of the ultraviolet radiation received on the earth’s surface is in the form of UVA rays. While both UVA and UVB rays damage the outer layers of skin, leading to sunburns, UVA rays are less intense than UVB but penetrate deeper into our skin eventually darkening the skin to a tan as protection and overtime leading to premature aging and skin cancer.

The electromagnetic spectrum characterizes different types of electromagnetic energy (gamma ray, x-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave, and radio) based on their wavelengths and amount of energy. Visible light, or light humans see, typically ranges from roughly 400 to 700 nanometers. UV light ranges from roughly 10 to 400 nanometers. Since UV light has a shorter wavelength than visible light, we are not able to see harmful UV rays.

Because we are not able to see UV rays, it is important to always protect our skin when exposed to sunlight. Even on cloudy days, UV rays reach the earth’s surface and our skin. Reading sunscreen labels is a simple way to insure we are protected against both UVA and UVB rays because some products only protect against one type of UV ray. Sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher is recommended. Additionally, a wide brim hat (at least 3 inches) and some sunglasses can help protect your eyes and face from UV damage.

Protection Tips:

• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun to allow time for the product to absorb and be most effective. 
• Re-apply sunscreen every two hours when in the sun or as recommended on the product label.
• Keep a sun protection bag, stocked with sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen, near your front door or in your vehicle to help you stay prepared all summer long. 
• Make playing in the shade fun. During the peak hours of the day when the sun’s rays are at their highest point find some fun games stay in under shade or indoors.
• Use extra caution around water and sand because these surfaces reflect UV rays and increase your chances of getting sunburnt.

Talk with your family and make sure they understand the importance of sun protection. Be sun smart this summer!