Staying Safe in the Sun: UV Safety Awareness

• Date: July 4, 2025

What is UV?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of radiation that is emitted by the sun and can be emulated by artificial sources like tanning beds.¹ There are three primary types of UV radiation, classified by their different wavelengths: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). Almost all the UV radiation that reaches Earth is UVA, though some UVB radiation also reaches us. benefits, such as stimulating the production of vitamin D, which is essential for bone development and helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, overexposure carries risks.¹ Short-term overexposure to UV radiation can lead to sunburn, a clear sign of skin damage. Prolonged UV exposure can result in more severe and lasting effects, including premature aging (such as wrinkles and sunspots) and increased risk of skin cancer.³ However, sun exposure isn’t the only way to obtain vitamin D — this nutrient can also be readily obtained by consuming fortified foods or taking a vitamin D supplement.⁴

Who is more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV radiation?

While all people are susceptible to the harmful effects of UV radiation, those with lighter skin tones, a history of significant sun exposure or severe sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer face a heightened risk.⁴

Skin cancer statistics in the U.S.

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States.⁵ While 104,900 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed in 2025, and more than 8,400 people will die from this disease.⁶

The number of new melanoma cases has been rising since the 1970s, though Regularly checking your own skin for new or changing moles is important, and you should speak with your doctor if you notice anything unusual or are at increased risk.⁷ Screening involves looking for cancer early before symptoms appear to allow for more effective treatment, and may be appropriate for individuals with higher risk factors.⁸ Finding melanoma early is key, as it is much more curable when it is still localized.

The importance of UV protection

Protecting your skin from UV radiation is vital year-round, as most skin cancers result from too much UV exposure.⁹ It is especially important to take precautions when UV rays are strongest — generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To help keep your skin safe, seek shade, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, and hats, and use sunglasses that block UV rays. You should also apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to all exposed skin.¹⁰ These measures are most effective when used together.

---

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Ultraviolet Radiation.” CDC.gov, February 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/features/uv-radiation.html. 

2. Skin and Cancer Institute. “July Is UV Safety Month.” SkinandCancerInstitute.com, July 6, 2022. https://skinandcancerinstitute.com/july-is-uv-safety-month/. 

3. Cleveland Clinic. “Ultraviolet Radiation and Skin Cancer.” my.ClevelandClinic.org. Accessed July 2, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10985-ultraviolet-radiation. 

4. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. “Vitamin D: Fact Sheet for Consumers.” ODS.OD.NIH.gov, November 8, 2022. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/. 

5. American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics for Melanoma Skin Cancer.” Cancer.org, January 16, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. 

6. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2025. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2025/2025-cancer-facts-and-figures-acs.pdf. 

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Screening for Skin Cancer.” CDC.gov, July 1, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/screening/index.html. 

8. National Cancer Institute PDQ® Screening and Prevention Editorial Board. “Skin Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version.” Cancer.gov, May 16, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-screening-pdq. 

9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Sun Safety Facts.” CDC.gov, July 1, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html. 

10. American Academy of Dermatology. “It’s UV Awareness Month! Take a Look at How AAD Promotes Sun Safety Year-Round.” AAD.org. Accessed July 2, 2025. https://www.aad.org/member/advocacy/promote/uv-awareness.