During July, also known as Ultraviolet Safety Month, folks in coastal Alabama know the drill: stay cool, hydrated and sun-smart. Whether you're hitting the beach or working in the yard, sun safety is a year-round priority especially in our neck of the woods.

Enjoying the great outdoors is a fantastic way to stay active and stress-free, but it's crucial to shield your skin from harmful rays to lower your skin cancer risk. We've gathered top tips from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help keep your skin safe and healthy while you soak up the sun.

UNDERSTANDING ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a form of electromagnetic radiation, is characterized by the energy levels of its photons. UV radiation falls just above visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum, traveling in waves at the speed of light.

There are three main types of UV rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays have the least energy and primarily cause skin aging and some indirect DNA damage. UVB rays, with slightly more energy, can directly damage DNA and are the main cause of sunburns and most skin cancers. UVC rays, the most energetic, fortunately, do not reach the ground due to the protective ozone layer but can be emitted from artificial sources like welding torches and UV sanitizing bulbs.

Sunlight is the primary source of UV radiation, with about 95% of UV rays reaching the ground being UVA and the remaining 5% UVB. The extent of UV exposure depends on the strength of the rays, duration of exposure and skin protection measures like clothing or sunscreen. Sunburn and tanning are signs of the skin reacting to potentially damaging UV radiation.

Artificial sources of UV rays include sunlamps, tanning beds, phototherapy devices, black-light lamps and certain types of lamps and torches used in industrial applications.

DANGERS OF UV EXPOSURE

Exposing your skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation year-round can lead to sunburn, skin aging, eye damage and skin cancer. Skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S., is on the rise. The American Cancer Society estimates 100,640 new melanoma cases and 8,290 deaths in 2024. In 2021, approximately 1.4 million people were living with melanoma, and 6.1 million were treated for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, according to the CDC.

Beyond skin cancer, UV rays can cause various health issues. Sunburn and premature skin aging, characterized by wrinkles, leathery skin and liver spots, are direct results of UV exposure. Eye problems, including cataracts and pterygium, can also arise from UV damage. Additionally, UV exposure can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fend off infections and potentially reducing the effectiveness of vaccines.

People of all skin colors are at risk for sunburn and other harmful effects of UV radiation. Be especially cautious if you have:

• Pale skin.
• Blond, red or light brown hair.
• Been treated for skin cancer.
• A family member who has had skin cancer.

Note: If you take medications, ask your health care professional about sun-care precautions. Certain medications and supplements can increase sensitivity to UV radiation, making sunburn more likely. Additionally, some medical conditions can be exacerbated by UV radiation.

CHECK THE UV INDEX

The UV Index predicts daily UV ray intensity. If the index reaches 3 or higher in your area, take precautions to shield your skin from excessive sun exposure.

HOURS OF ACTIVITY

To minimize UV exposure, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon hours. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time).

STAY IN THE SHADE

To lower your chances of sun damage and skin cancer, seek shade under umbrellas, trees or other shelters.

According to the American Cancer Society, "Even when you're in the shade, UV rays can still reach you by reflecting off other surfaces, so it's still good idea to also to protect your skin in other ways, such as wears protective clothing and using sunscreen."

Surfaces UV rays can reflect from include water, cement and sand to name a few.

APPLY THE SUNSCREEN

Before heading outdoors, slather on the sunscreen. Important points:

• Sunscreens are rated by their Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which indicates their ability to filter UV rays. Opt for a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher for better protection.
• Sunscreen diminishes over time. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel.
• Check the sunscreen's expiration date. If unmarked, it typically lasts up to three years, less if exposed to high temperatures.
• When applying sunscreen, be sure to cover all uncovered skin, including areas often overlooked like the nose, ears, neck, hands, feet and lips. If you have little hair, applying sunscreen to the top of your head or wearing a hat is important for protection.
• It's important to note that no sunscreen is entirely waterproof; be sure to read and follow the product's label regarding water resistance and reapplication instructions, especially after sweating or swimming.
• Only sunscreen in specific forms such as lotion, cream, stick, gel, oil, butter, paste, spray and powder can legally be marketed. Other dosage forms, such as wipes, towelettes, body washes and shampoos, cannot be legally marketed.
• Caution should be exercised with spray sunscreens containing flammable ingredients, and they should be kept away from open flames.
• Some spray sunscreens have been recalled due to benzene contamination, so it's crucial to avoid using these products.

Remember that while sunscreen is essential, it doesn't fully block UV radiation, so using protective clothing, sunglasses and seeking shade are also necessary precautions.

CHOOSE PROPER CLOTHING

Choosing the right clothing can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays. Here's what to consider:

• Opt for long-sleeved shirts and pants or skirts made from tightly woven fabrics for optimal protection against UV rays.
• If long sleeves aren't practical, a T-shirt or beach cover-up can still provide some protection.
• Wet clothing offers less UV protection than dry clothing.
• Darker colors generally provide more protection than lighter ones.

For added UV protection, consider clothing labeled with a UV protection factor (UPF). These garments are designed to shield against UV rays, even when wet, thanks to their tightly woven fabric and special coatings. The UPF value indicates the level of protection the garment provides, typically ranging from 15 to 50+. The higher the UPF, the greater the protection from UV rays.

Tip: Enhance the UPF of your existing clothes with specialized laundry detergents. These products can add a layer of UV protection without altering the color or texture, though the exact level of added protection can vary.

ROCK A HAT

Hats offer effective protection against UV rays, but they should complement other sun-safe practices. Opt for a hat with a wide brim of at least 2 to 3 inches all around, shielding vulnerable areas like the ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp from intense sunlight. Choosing a hat with a dark, non-reflective underside further reduces UV exposure, especially from reflective surfaces like water.

For added neck protection, consider a shade cap resembling a baseball cap with extended fabric draping down the sides and back. These caps are available at sporting goods and outdoor supply stores. Alternatively, improvise by wearing a large handkerchief or bandana under a standard baseball cap for makeshift coverage. Workers requiring hard hats can also adapt by using models with built-in sun shades or employing the handkerchief method.

Remember, while baseball caps safeguard the front and top of the head, they leave the neck and ears exposed—common sites for skin cancers. For optimal protection, choose hats made from tightly woven fabrics over straw varieties, which offer less UV shielding.

SUNGLASSES ARE COOL

In addition to Ultraviolet Safety Month, July is also Healthy Vision Month. The two go hand-in-hand as UV rays can cause damage to your eyes as well.

Sunglasses play a crucial role in this protection, shielding your eyes from harmful radiation and reducing the risk of cataracts. They also safeguard the delicate skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

When selecting sunglasses:

• Opt for pairs with a UV400 rating or labeled "100% UV protection," which block over 99% of UVA and UVB rays for optimal defense.
• Avoid assuming that darker lenses offer UV protection; the tint darkness does not indicate UV shielding capability. Light-tinted lenses, like green, amber, red and gray, can provide equal UV protection.
• Verify if your tinted glasses provide UV protection; consult your eye care professional if unsure. Without UV protection, your eyes are vulnerable to solar radiation when pupils dilate.
• Ensure children wear sunglasses marked with UV protection, as toy glasses may lack this crucial feature.
• Consider large, wraparound-style frames for enhanced UV protection by covering the entire eye socket.
• Higher-priced sunglasses do not necessarily offer better UV protection.
• Even if wearing UV-absorbing contact lenses, always wear quality sunglasses that offer UV protection.

Stay safe this Ultraviolet Safety Month by taking precautions to protect your skin and eyes from the sun's harmful rays.