UV Safety Awareness Month: Protecting Your Skin All Summer Long

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on protecting your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. While spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer, too much sun exposure can increase your risk of sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancer.

Fortunately, a few simple habits can go a long way in protecting both your skin and your overall health.

What Are UV Rays?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible rays produced by the sun. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin. That means you can experience sun damage even when it doesn't feel particularly sunny outside.

There are two main types of UV rays that affect your skin:

• UVA rays contribute to premature aging, wrinkles, and long-term skin damage.
• UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburns and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer.

Because UV exposure happens year-round, sun protection should be part of your daily routine—not just something you think about during vacations.

Why Sun Protection Matters
Too much exposure to UV rays can lead to:

• Painful sunburns
• Premature wrinkles and age spots
• Damage to your eyes
• Increased risk of skin cancer
• Weakened skin over time

Protecting your skin today can help reduce these risks in the future.

Tips for Staying Sun Safe
Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it 15–30 minutes before going outdoors and remember to reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.

Wear Protective Clothing
Wide-brimmed hats, lightweight long sleeves, and sunglasses with UV protection provide an extra layer of defense against the sun.

Seek Shade
The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, spend time in shaded areas during these peak hours.

Protect Your Eyes
Your eyes can also be damaged by UV rays. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays helps protect your vision while reducing eye strain.

Don't Forget Your Lips
Lips can also become sunburned. Using a lip balm with SPF can help protect this often-overlooked area.

Protect Children from Sun Exposure
Children's skin is especially sensitive to UV rays. Help keep them protected by:

• Applying sunscreen before outdoor activities.
• Dressing them in lightweight protective clothing.
• Encouraging frequent water breaks.
• Taking breaks in shaded areas.

Teaching healthy sun habits early can help protect them for years to come.

Sun Protection Is for Everyone
No matter your age or skin tone, everyone can benefit from practicing sun safety. Whether you're gardening, attending a sporting event, working outside, or simply enjoying time with family, protecting yourself from UV exposure is an important part of staying healthy.

We're Here to Help
At Thunder Discount Drug, we carry a variety of products to help you stay protected throughout the summer, including sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, after-sun care products, and other seasonal essentials.

If you're unsure which sunscreen is right for you or your family, stop by and speak with one of our knowledgeable team members. We'd be happy to help you find products that fit your needs.
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Enjoy the sunshine—but don't forget to protect your skin. A few simple precautions today can help keep you healthy for many summers to come.