TL;DR
July marks UV Awareness Month, a timely reminder of how easily people can be exposed to harmful sun rays, even when it doesn’t feel especially hot.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, walking the dog, or working outside, protecting yourself from UV radiation should never be overlooked. Keep reading for essential protection tips to help you stay safe in the sun.
Why UV Awareness Month matters
UV Awareness Month serves to highlight the dangers of ultraviolet radiation. Many people still believe that sun damage is only a concern during holidays abroad, but this simply isn’t true.
The UK may have a temperate climate, but UV levels can still reach high and dangerous levels, especially between late spring and early autumn.
According to Cancer Research UK, 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases are preventable. Many of these cases are linked to overexposure to UV rays, either from natural sunlight or artificial sources like sunbeds. This makes public awareness important.
How does UV radiation work?
There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
- UVC rays are blocked by the ozone layer, so they don’t reach the Earth’s surface. However, UVA and UVB do, and they affect your body in different ways.
- UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to long-term ageing and wrinkles. UVB rays are shorter and more intense, causing direct DNA damage that often results in sunburn. Both types can increase the risk of skin cancer.
- UV rays are strongest between 11 am and 3 pm, even on overcast days. So if you’re outdoors during these hours, you’re more exposed than you might realise.
What is the UV index?
The UV Index helps you understand how strong the sun’s ultraviolet rays are on a particular day. The Met Office issues daily UV Index forecasts. The scale runs from 1 to 11+, where:
- 1–2 means low risk
- 3–5 is moderate
- 6–7 is high
- 8–10 is very high
- 11+ is extreme
Even when the temperature is cool or the skies are cloudy, UV levels can still be high. Make it a habit to check the UV Index in your weather app each morning before leaving the house.
How to protect yourself from the sun
Suncream: Your first line of defence
Suncream is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin, but only when used correctly. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a 4 or 5-star UVA rating.
Apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Many people forget key areas like the ears, tops of the feet, and backs of the hands, so take your time when applying.
It’s also important not to rely on sunscreen alone. Think of it as one part of a wider sun protection plan.
Protective clothing and accessories
Clothing offers a physical barrier that can reduce UV exposure significantly. Light, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV400 lenses are simple but effective ways to shield your body.
Some clothes are now designed with UV protection ratings (known as UPF). These garments are helpful for children or anyone spending long periods outdoors. However, regular clothing made from tightly woven fabric can also offer good protection.
Shoes are often overlooked, but feet can burn too. Flip-flops might be common in summer, but they offer no defence against UV rays.
Shade makes a difference
Staying in the shade is one of the easiest ways to limit your UV exposure. When the sun is at its peak, try to take shelter under trees, umbrellas, or canopies. Portable UV shelters are a practical option for beach days or outdoor events.
If you can’t avoid being outside, create your own shade with hats or parasols. Also, remember that UV rays reflect off surfaces like sand, concrete, and water, meaning you can still burn even under a parasol.
Protecting your eyes from UV damage
It’s not just your skin that’s at risk. Long-term exposure to UV rays can cause serious eye problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even temporary sunburn of the cornea, known as photokeratitis.
To avoid this, wear wraparound sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Look for a CE mark or British Standard (BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013) on the label, which confirms the lenses meet safety standards.
If you wear prescription glasses, ask your optician about adding a UV protective coating to your lenses.
UV protection tips for outdoor workers
For those working outdoors, builders, landscapers, delivery drivers, regular UV exposure is part of daily life. Employers have a duty to protect their staff from sun-related risks under health and safety laws.
If you work outside, wear a hat, sunglasses, and breathable long-sleeved clothing. Always apply sunscreen before your shift and keep a bottle at hand for reapplication. It’s also wise to take breaks in shaded areas and avoid peak UV hours where possible.
Don’t forget your lips and scalp!
The lips and scalp are two areas people often forget about, but they’re just as vulnerable to UV damage. The skin on your lips is thin and lacks melanin, the pigment that helps protect against the sun.
Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply frequently, especially after eating or drinking. For your scalp, consider hairstyles that provide cover, or wear hats when outside for extended periods. If you have thinning hair, sunscreen sprays for the scalp are available and easy to use.
Keep these sun safety habits in mind
UV Awareness Month is a valuable opportunity to re-evaluate your sun safety habits. UV rays remain a constant risk from spring through autumn. Protecting yourself doesn’t require drastic changes, just consistent, thoughtful habits that keep you and your family safe.
