UV Safety Month: 8 Ways to Protect Yourself from Harmful UV Rays

July 2, 2026

July is UV Safety Month, making it the perfect time to refresh your sun safety habits. While sunshine allows us to enjoy everything summer has to offer, too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase the risk of skin damage, eye injuries, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Whether you're spending the day at the pool, working outside, attending the county fair, or enjoying other outdoor activities, these simple steps can help protect your health.

1. Limit Your Time in the Sun

Whenever possible, seek shade during the sun's strongest hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

Long-sleeved shirts, lightweight pants, and wide-brimmed hats provide an extra layer of protection by covering exposed skin.

3. Apply Sunscreen

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously before going outdoors and reapply at least every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

4. Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses

Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Long-term exposure to UV radiation may increase the risk of cataracts and other eye damage. Remember that UV rays can reflect off water, sand, concrete, and other bright surfaces.

5. Avoid Tanning Beds

Indoor tanning exposes your skin to concentrated UV radiation, increasing your risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer.

6. Check the UV Index

The daily UV Index can help you determine when additional sun protection is needed. Higher UV levels mean greater potential for skin and eye damage.

7. Check Your Skin Regularly

Watch for new or changing moles, freckles, or other spots on your skin. If you notice changes that concern you, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for evaluation.

8. Know When Vision Changes Are an Emergency

Not all vision problems are caused by UV exposure, but sudden changes in vision should never be ignored. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:

  • Sudden loss of vision
  • Double vision
  • Severe eye pain
  • A sudden increase in flashes of light or many new floaters
  • A dark curtain or shadow over your vision
  • Vision changes accompanied by weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, or a severe headache

These symptoms may be signs of a serious eye condition or another medical emergency, such as a stroke, and prompt treatment can make a significant difference. By making UV protection part of your daily routine, you can help protect your skin, your eyes, and your overall health throughout the summer.

 

 

Sources

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology. Protecting Your Eyes from UV Damage. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sunglasses
  • American Academy of Dermatology. How to Prevent Skin Cancer. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevent
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sun Safety. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Sun Safety. https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety
  • Skin Cancer Foundation. Sun Protection. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/
  • World Health Organization (WHO). Ultraviolet Radiation. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv)

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