Why UV protection matters year round
Ultraviolet (UV) protection is important year‑round, not just in summer. UV radiation from UV rays is one of the most common and most preventable causes of cancer in America. To highlight how daily sun exposure affects skin health, we spoke with Dr. Georgia G. Hughey, a resident physician in dermatology service at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, about why UV protection matters and what Veterans can do to protect their skin.
Hughey, who has been with VA for three years, sees the effects of UV exposure up close every day.
“As a dermatologist, UV awareness is important because I see firsthand how the effects of UV radiation accumulate over a lifetime,” Hughey said. “Many of the skin conditions I diagnose and treat, from premature aging to skin cancer, are largely preventable with proper sun protection and early education.”
A common misconception
One myth Hughey hears often from patients: “I don’t need sunscreen because I’m only outside for a few minutes.”
“Many patients don’t realize that UV exposure is cumulative,” she explained. “Everyday activities—walking the dog, driving, gardening or sitting near a window—add up over time. Even short, repeated periods of unprotected sun exposure contribute to premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.”
Why UV awareness matters
UV radiation is the leading cause of most skin cancers, and the numbers are striking:
- About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
- Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
- Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays reduces your risk of both skin cancer and premature aging.
How to practice safe sun
Dr. Hughey and dermatologists nationwide recommend three simple steps:
- Seek shade. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. A helpful trick: If your shadow is shorter than you are, it’s time to seek shade.
- Wear sun-protective clothing. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses all help shield your skin. For added protection, look for clothing labeled with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating.
- Apply sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on all exposed skin, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Skin cancer prevention doesn’t require drastic changes, just consistent, everyday habits. Take a page from Hughey’s advice and make sun protection part of your daily routine, whether you’re out for a long hike or just running a quick errand.
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My many years in the sun I’ve got basil cell, squamous cell &
melanoma. From my time on the job & in the service I had plenty of unprotected sun exposure. Do not be like me follow the precautions listed in this article.
Thanks for the reminder. How long is the useful use of various types of sunscreen?
I feel most vulnerable around 11-1 personally speaking. Luckily I’m in class 3 days a week at this time and I guess a hat is out of the question when sweating starts smh…never the less thank you for your input :) 10/10 for avoiding any kind of cancer I say. And I’m getting older lately lol, so I’m all ears…thanks again.
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Can a high quality Aloe Vera product be effectively used in replace of a sun screen?
I have read that many sun screen products are not always equally protective.
Do you recommend a specific sun screen product that effectively works for general everyday use?