The summer months bring forth some welcomed changes through longer days, warmer weather, and more time outside. At the same time, the summer season also brings stronger UV exposure that can affect skin and eye health even during overcast skies or milder temperatures.
UV sun safety expands far beyond beach days or long vacations; it also applies to things like quick afternoon walks, outdoor lunches, gatherings, commutes, and even errands that take a little longer than planned. According to the CDC, UV rays can still reach your skin on cloudy and cool days and can reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. UV rays tend to be strongest in the continental U.S. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In this month’s Workday Wellness, we explore a few UV sun safety tips and insights that can help you, your family, and your coworkers enjoy summer to the fullest while reducing avoidable, harmful sun exposure.
UV Sun Safety By the Numbers
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70**
- More than 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day*
- Having 5 or more sunburns doubles a person’s risk for melanoma**
- About 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with UV exposure from the sun*
- When melanoma is detected early, the 5-year survival rate is over 99%***
Why Is UV Sun Safety Necessary in Your Wellness Routine?
Sun protection works best when it becomes a routine part of the day, not an afterthought once your skin starts to feel hot. Many people remember sunscreen for a pool or lake day, then forget it for outdoor meals, afternoon walks, or at a game.
A few small habits can make summer routines safer: checking the UV Index on your weather app of choice, pairing sunscreen with protective clothing, keeping shade in the plan, and paying attention to overlooked and easily burned areas like your ears, lips, scalp, hands, and the backs of your legs.
5 Tips for Better UV Sun Safety
1. Check the UV Index Before Heading Out
The UV Index is a simple tool that helps you understand how strong UV rays are expected to be in your area. A higher number means a greater risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
The EPA’s UV Index scale says protection is needed when the UV Index is 3 to 7.* During those levels, people should seek shade during late morning through mid-afternoon, apply broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, and wear protective clothing, and sunglasses. At a UV level of 8 or higher, extra protection is needed.
2. Apply Sunscreen Before Exposure, Then Reapply
Sunscreen is most helpful when it is used generously and consistently. The CDC recommends applying broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before going outside. Sunscreen should be reapplied if you stay in the sun for more than two hours, and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
A few reminders that could help:
- Apply sunscreen before you leave, not once you are already settled outside.
- Cover exposed areas such as ears, neck, hands, tops of feet, and along the hairline.
- Keep a travel-size sunscreen where you will actually use it.
- Check the expiration date, especially if the bottle has been stored in a hot car or beach bag.
3. Dress for Sun Protection, Not Just the Weather
When it is hot outside, it is natural to reach for lightweight clothes. For UV protection, fabric choice and coverage can make a difference.
A wide-brimmed hat can also help protect the face, ears, and back of the neck. Baseball caps are convenient, but they leave the ears and neck exposed unless paired with sunscreen, shade, or additional coverage.
4. Build Shade Into Outdoor Plans
Shade can reduce direct UV exposure and make summer activities more comfortable. A tree, umbrella, covered patio, tent, canopy, or shaded work area can help reduce sun exposure, especially during late morning and mid-afternoon.
For everyday routines, this might mean choosing the shaded side of the street, taking breaks under a covered area, parking farther away if the shaded route is better, or setting up a pop-up tent for outdoor work events.
5. Protect the Spots People Often Miss
Sunburns often show up in places that were skipped or under-protected. Ears, lips, eyelids, scalp, neck, hands, and the tops of feet are easy to forget, especially during quick outdoor time.
Add lip balm with SPF, apply sunscreen around the ears and neck, wear sunglasses, and protect exposed scalp with a hat or sunscreen.
Small Habits Can Make Summer Safer
UV sun safety does not require avoiding the outdoors. Fresh air, movement, and time outside can all support well-being. The goal is to make sun protection part of the plan before exposure adds up.
This July, use UV these safety tips as a simple enhancement to your daily routine. Look at the UV Index, apply sunscreen before heading out for extended periods, choose shade when you can, and remember the spots that often get missed.
Sources:
*https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-scale-0
**https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html
***https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/