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With so much to see and do, and more than 62 national parks to explore between the Virginia, Maryland and DC area, there’s no better time to get out and soak up the sun – as long as you do
it safely.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays, emitted from the sun, are classified into two types, and neither are good for you. UV A rays can cause skin to wrinkle and age prematurely, while UV B rays are the
ones that cause sunburns. Both can lead to skin cancer.
“One in five Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of their life. That’s why it is so important to protect your skin against UV exposure from a young age,” said Mary Maiberger,
MD, Chief of Dermatology at the Washington DC VA Medical Center.
UV rays have been classified as a known carcinogen because of their link to skin cancer, and July is designated UV Ray Awareness Month to educate people about proper protection methods. But
the Sun isn’t the only culprit to blame for skin damage, tanning beds also emit the harmful rays.
“There is no such thing as a safe tan. Along with sunburns, they represent a DNA mutation of the skin, which over time can lead to skin cancer,” said Maiberger. “Take the necessary
precautions to have fun safely.”
Maiberger’ s tips for enjoying your summer without exposing yourself to UV rays include:
For those who cannot avoid sun exposure, she recommends following these sunscreen tips:
Maiberger added that water can reflect and intensify UV rays, so proper sunscreen usage and reapplication is vital when participating in water sports this summer.
“Certain medications or health conditions can also make your skin or eyes sensitive to the sun,” she said. “If you have questions about sun protection or your skin health, reach out to your
VA primary care team. We’re here to help you enjoy your summer safely.”
