UV Safety Awareness Month
How to get involved in UV Safety Awareness Month
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
- Use protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Avoid tanning beds and opt for sunless tanning products.
- Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist and perform self-exams at home.
- Educate children about sun safety early to help them build lifelong habits.
History of UV Safety Awareness Month
UV Safety Awareness Month is observed each July in the United States to raise awareness about the health risks of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and encourage sun-safe behaviors. The observance is promoted by organizations including the American Academy of Dermatology, the Skin Cancer Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with support from broader public health initiatives led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its goal is to help reduce UV-related skin damage, sunburn, premature skin aging, and the incidence of skin cancer through public education and practical sun protection measures.
Facts About UV Radiation and Skin Health
- UV-A rays penetrate deep into the skin and are associated with skin aging and wrinkles.
- UV-B rays affect the skin’s surface and are the primary cause of sunburn.
- Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer but is highly preventable with proper protection.
- Water, sand, snow, and concrete all reflect UV rays, increasing your risk even in shaded areas.
- Daily sunscreen use can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40%.