Sunlight is an important source of vitamin D, but it also contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation that damages skin and eyes. The ultraviolet spectrum – invisible to the human eye – is subdivided into ranges based on wavelength, including UVA, UVB, and UVC. The different ranges have different effects.
Don’t Be Red
Too much exposure to sunlight – particularly the UVB rays – burns the skin, is a risk factor for skin cancer and accelerates aging of the skin. Not to mention that looking like a lobster is downright painful. To protect your skin, cover up during peak hours of sunlight, generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and use sunscreen.
People with very fair skin or a family history of skin cancer should use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which filters out 97 percent of UVB rays.” Look for a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen to filter out both UVB and UVA rays.
Apply the product liberally and re-apply it every two hours or more often if you’re in the water or perspiring.
Go Easy on Your Eyes
Sunglasses are much more than a fashion statement. They are an easy way to protect your eyes.
Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection. That information should be marked clearly on the label. Ultraviolet radiation can damage the eye, including the cornea and lens, and can contribute to the development of some types of cataracts. Ideally, look for glasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
Wearing sunglasses has other benefits – they protect the eyes from debris, such as grass and dust that become airborne when mowing or trimming, or on windy days. Wraparound sunglasses and those with larger lenses provide more protection than styles with smaller lenses because they filter more of the rays that deflect off of lakes, swimming pools and even snowbanks.
Learn More
For more information about the health effects of sun exposure and protective measures, visit Medline Plus, an online service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institute of Health. It’s also available in Spanish.
