UV Radiation & Your skin

UVB rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice. #Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun's UV light, so the rays hit you twice, further increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.⁠ pic.twitter.com/rcmDjuMZiH

— SkinCancerFoundation (@SkinCancerOrg) February 2, 2021

When talking about skin cancer, a major risk factor is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The good news is that the danger posed by UV radiation can be greatly reduced, we can still enjoy outdoor activities while limiting our skin cancer risk by taking simple, smart positive measures.

UV radiation is part of the natural energy produced by the sun. On the electromagnetic spectrum, UV light has shorter wavelengths than visible light, so your eyes can’t see UV, but your skin can feel it. Tanning beds also emit UV radiation.

Two types of UV light are proven to contribute to the risk for skin cancer, including Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B. They differ in how they affect the skin, but they both do harm. UVA and UVB damage the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer. These rays can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and eyelid cancers.UV exposure that leads to sunburn has proven to play a strong role in developing melanoma, the most dangerous of the three most common types of skin cancer.

Despite the risk factors, you can safely, happily enjoy the great outdoors by protecting your skin against UV exposure with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun-safe clothing, hats, and eyewear. You can also consider UV window film for your home and car.