Century Park Blog

UV Safety Awareness Month, which takes place during July, is a crucial time to focus on senior health and learn about the dangers of sun exposure. As we age, our skin becomes more vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Seniors are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer, sunburns, and other skin-related issues due to decreased skin elasticity and a reduced ability to repair damaged skin cells. Promoting UV safety and encouraging friends and family to take precautions against the sun’s rays is extremely important to your overall well-being and skin health.

Here are some tips to protect your skin this summer:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF). This helps block both UVA and UVB rays. Seniors should apply sunscreen generously and reapply it every two hours, especially when spending extended periods outdoors.
• Wear protective SPF clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to shield your skin and eyes from UV damage.
• Avoid indoor tanning. Indoor tanning exposes the skin to high levels of UV radiation, increasing the chances of skin cancer and accelerating the aging process. Still want that golden, sun-kissed glow? Look for alternative options like self-tanning lotions or sprays.

UV Safety Awareness Month serves as a reminder for not just seniors, but individuals of all ages to prioritize their health and take proactive steps to safeguard their skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.