Sunny spring days invite us outside, but even in cooler weather, UV radiation can be strong. That’s why it’s important to know your safe suntime limits, so you can enjoy the sun without risking skin damage.
Many people associate sun protection with hot weather, but UV radiation is invisible and unrelated to air temperature. Even on cool or cloudy days, ultraviolet rays can harm your skin and overall health. The sun emits high-energy UV radiation in three forms: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. While UV-C is entirely absorbed by the ozone layer, up to 10% of UV-B and nearly all of UV-A radiation reach the Earth’s surface, making daily protection and awareness essential year-round.
The primary cause of skin redness and sunburn is UV-B radiation, which mainly affects the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). In contrast, UV-A radiation penetrates deeper into the dermis, where it can cause longer-term damage.
Health Effects of UV Radiation Overexposure
Immediate Effects
- Skin redness, sunburn, swelling, blistering, itching, and pain
- Sun-induced skin reactions such as polymorphous light eruption (commonly referred to as sun allergy), with wheals and blisters
- Inflammation of the eyes, including photokeratitis or conjunctivitis (e.g., snow blindness)
- Temporary suppression of the immune system
Long-Term Effects
- Eye damage, including cataracts and uveal melanoma (a rare eye cancer)
- Premature skin aging due to UV-induced collagen breakdown
- Increased risk of various types of skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers
Tip: Use the Sola app to identify your optimal sun exposure times, tailored to your location and weather conditions.