Skin, Eyes, UV Wise

July is UV Safety Month, so take simple steps to protect your skin and eyes. Sun damage builds up over time.

Know the UV Index

Before heading outside, check the UV Index on your weather app. A rating of three or higher means you need protection. UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., even on cloudy days.

Dress for Defense

Clothing is one of the easiest ways to stay safe. Choose lightweight long sleeves, wide‑brimmed hats, and sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. Darker colors and clothes with a tighter weave offer better protection without making you too warm.

Protect Your Eyes, Too

UV rays can also harm your eyes. Over time, UV exposure can speed up cataracts, irritate the surface of the eye, and damage the thin skin around your eyelids. As we age, our eyes become more sensitive, making protection even more important. Look for sunglasses labeled “UV 400” or “100% UV protection.” Larger frames or wrap‑around styles help block sunlight from the sides and pairing them with a wide‑brimmed hat adds even more shade.

Use Sunscreen the Right Way

Pick a broad‑spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it 15 minutes before going outside and use enough to cover all exposed skin. Reapply for a minimum of every two hours, more often if you are sweating or swimming.

Mind Your Medications

Some common prescriptions, including certain antibiotics and heart medications, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist whether your medications increase sun sensitivity.

Hydrate and Take Breaks

Heat and sun can be harder on the body as we age. Drink water regularly and rest in the shade when you can. A few short breaks can help you stay comfortable and avoid overheating.

Check Your Skin

Make a habit of looking for new spots, changes in moles, or anything that does not seem right. Early detection makes a significant difference, so bring up any concerns at your next check‑up. Not sure about a suspicious spot on the skin? Check with your doctor or find an SIH provider at www.sih.net/providers.

SPF QUICK GUIDE

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, how well sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays (the rays that cause sunburn and raise the risk of skin cancer). SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. No sunscreen blocks all UV rays.

Broadspectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, giving your skin more complete coverage. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more sensitive, which makes consistent SPF use even more important.

Always check the expiration date on your sunscreen. Most bottles last around three years, the protection weakens when the product expires and it may not shield your skin effectively. Use SPF 30 or higher daily on exposed skin (even on cloudy days) to help keep your skin healthy and protected.

UV rays also reach your eyes. Over time, this exposure can contribute to cataracts, age related vision changes, and damage to the sensitive tissues around the eyes. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays helps protect your vision and the delicate skin on your eyelids, which is some of the thinnest skin on the body.