Why UV Safety Matters
UV Safety Awareness Month is a reminder to protect your skin not just from sunburn, but from long-term damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.
But with TikTok and Instagram trends focused on the daily UV score, it’s easy to forget the real message: high UV exposure can cause serious harm, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
What Is UV Radiation?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of energy emitted by the sun. There are two types you should know about:
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UVA rays: These go deep into the skin and are responsible for wrinkles, sagging, and aging.
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UVB rays: These affect the top layers of skin and are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.
Both types damage your skin’s DNA and increase your lifetime risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
The UV Index: What It Means and Why It’s Trending
On social media, tracking the UV index has become popular. This number (ranging from 0 to 11 or more) tells you how strong the sun’s rays are at a given time and place.
While it’s a great tool for awareness, here’s what it doesn’t tell you:
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UV rays are still present on cloudy days
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You can burn even when the index is moderate
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UV damage builds up over time, even from brief exposures
The bottom line? It’s not just about the UV number. It’s about daily habits and consistent protection.
The Truth About Tanning
There’s no such thing as a safe tan. That “glow” is actually a sign of DNA damage. Whether from the sun or a tanning bed, tanning increases your risk of skin cancer and accelerates aging.
A few facts to consider:
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Tanned skin is damaged skin
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Tanning beds are classified as a known carcinogen
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A “base tan” offers almost no protection against burning
Even if you don’t burn, your skin still suffers.
How to Stay UV-Safe
Protecting your skin doesn’t mean avoiding the sun completely. It means being smart about how and when you’re exposed.
Here are a few practical tips:
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Apply SPF 30 or higher daily
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Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating
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Seek shade during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
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Wear UPF clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses
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Use the UV index as a guide, not a rule
Our Favorite UV-Smart Products
At Renew Dermatology, we carry sunscreens that not only protect but also support your skin. Some of our top picks:
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EltaMD UV Clear: Lightweight, calming, and perfect for acne-prone skin
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Alastin HydraTint: A tinted mineral sunscreen with antioxidants
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Colorescience Sunforgetable Total Protection Brush-On SPF: Great for quick reapplication on the go
Bottom Line
Your skin remembers every sunburn, every tan, and every time you skip sunscreen. Making UV protection part of your routine now pays off for years to come.
Need help finding the right sunscreen? We can help. Visit our office for personalized recommendations from our team of skin health experts.