Understanding UV Radiation: How to Stay Safe in the Sun

Kelsey Phelps

The sun is a constant presence in our lives, bringing warmth and joy into the hearts of many Michigan residents. Whether you are hitting the beach, working in the yard, or going for a summer walk with family, sun exposure is ever-present. July is UV awareness month, a time to reflect on proactive steps to protect your skin from harmful UV rays of the sun. As the weather becomes warmer, it is important to understand the risks of UV radiation and ways to protect yourself and others from damaging sun exposure.

Understanding UV Radiation:

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of energy which is released by many light sources, including but not limited to the sun and tanning beds. ¹ UV energy is not always dangerous, as it aids the skin in synthesizing Vitamin D, but overexposure to UV energy can lead to skin damage. There are three types of UV radiation, which are categorized by their wavelengths:

Ultraviolet A (UVA): UVA rays have the highest level of skin penetration, leading to excess wrinkles, as well as tanning or burning. Prolonged exposure to UVA rays can lead to skin cancer.

Ultraviolet B (UVB): UVB rays are not known to deeply penetrate the skin but still can damage the outermost layers of skin tissue. Prolonged exposure to UVB rays can cause superficial damage such as sun spots, tanning, and burning/blistering. All of these damages to the skin can also lead to skin cancer, similar to UVA rays.

Ultraviolet C (UVC): UVC rays are absorbed by the ozone layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. Because the rays do not reach the Earth’s surface, skin damage is not caused by UVC. ²

Health Risks of Overexposure to UV Radiation:

While having tan skin may seem desirable, as some believe tan skin equates to good health, it is important to understand the risks of overexposure to UV radiation. After exposure to the sun, individuals are at a heightened risk of:

• Speeding up the skin aging process, also known as photoaging ³
• Developing skin marks such as wrinkles, freckles, and more
• Skin cancer. ¹

While some individuals are less susceptible to skin damage (photodamage), all are at risk for skin aging (photoaging). ³ It is important to protect your skin for a long, healthy life.

Sun Protection Strategies:

While mild forms of skin damage are inevitable, there are many ways to protect the health and longevity of your skin. You can prevent skin damage from UV radiation by:

• Applying broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+. It is critical to use sunscreen daily, even when the UV index is low.
  • Many cosmetic products offer UV protection.
• Using sun-protective clothing, such as sun shirts, UV-protective sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats.
• Seeking shade when possible, especially if you have been highly exposed to the sun.
• Avoiding tanning beds, as they pose higher risks of skin damage than natural sun exposure.
• Visiting your physician for a skin exam annually.
• Conducting monthly self-exams to check for new skin markings. ⁴

For more information about sun safety strategies for all individuals, visit the CDC’s webpage, Sun Safety Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html

Conclusion:

Sun protection is not only a personal task, but a community-wide effort and public health opportunity. It is important for individuals to educate others about sun protection. Completing simple tasks and creating daily habits can protect overall skin health. For numerous educational resources about skin cancer and sun protection, visit the CDC’s webpage, Skin Cancer Resources to Share. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/resources/index.html

References:

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, November 16). Ultraviolet Radiation and Skin Cancer. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10985-ultraviolet-radiation
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024a, February 15). Ultraviolet Radiation. https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/features/uv-radiation.html  
3. Yale Medicine. (n.d.). Photoaging (Sun Damage). https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/sun-damage
4. Skin Cancer Foundation. (2025, March). Skin Cancer Risk Factors. The Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/

Updated 07/07/2025