July is National UV Safety Month!
The summertime often inspires activities outdoors, with an increased time in the sun. Your body's largest organ is your skin! It protects you against heat, sunlight, injury and infection. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes.
Safeguarding your skin from the effects of UV rays can be done with some simple steps: wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen. Wear protective clothing if you skin will be exposed to UV rays, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. Sunglasses need to be UV- resistant to protect your eyes and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and face. Apply a minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside, and continue to reapply to exposed skin every two hours or after swimming, sweating or toweling off.
UV rays are strongest from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. If possible, during these times seek shade to reduce harmful UV radiation exposure. Stay safe while enjoying the sun this summer!