Skin & UV Safety in Lehigh Valley

Did you know that UV rays from the sun and tanning beds are the main cause of skin cancer?

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 out of 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Unprotected, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can contribute to this risk.

With July being designated as UV Safety Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to protect your skin and reduce the risk of burns and cancers. Keep reading to learn how.

The Risks of UV Exposure

Exposure to UV radiation can damage your skin and eyes, and it can even impact your immune system. When you experience a sunburn, or even a tan, that is an inflammatory reaction to the skin damage caused by UV. That damage builds up over time and can cause skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Experiencing more than five sunburns can double your risk of developing melanoma, which can be deadly.

When the UV index is high, it can cause unprotected skin to burn faster and more severely. However, your skin can still be damaged when the weather is cloudy. Reduce the risks by practicing skin safety!

Protect Yourself from UV Rays

UV exposure can be dangerous for your skin, but there are several ways to reduce the risk of harm:

• Apply sunscreen every 2 hours! If you’re sweating or swimming, make sure to apply more frequently. Keep in mind that using a higher SPF does not mean you should stay out in the sun longer.
• Take advantage of the shade and consider using a portable sunshade. UV rays can still reach you in the shade by reflecting off other surfaces, so you’ll want to pair this with other sun-protection methods.
• Utilize different types of clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and darker colors provide more protection than lightweight fabrics.
• Wear a hat with a 2- to 3-inch-wide brim to cover your eyes, ears, forehead, nose, and scalp.
• Some sunglasses block UV rays, but not all. Sunglasses should block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays. If there isn’t a label, they probably don’t offer adequate protection.
• Do not use tanning beds, booths, or sun lamps, as these give off UV rays and can increase the risk of long-term damage and cancers.

Griswold Is Here for You

Our team is here to support you and your loved ones with in-home care throughout Bethlehem, Allentown, and the entire Lehigh Valley region. If you or someone you know could use some help navigating UV safety, our dedicated Caregivers are happy to assist! Through our Personal and Companionship home care services, we are happy to provide reminders to apply sunscreen and even accompany you to help find shade outdoors.