Helpful Hints for Nurses: Protect Your Skin During UV Safety Awareness Month

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a timely reminder that sun protection isn't just about avoiding a burn it’s about safeguarding your long-term health. As nurses, we are trained to prevent illness, yet it’s easy to forget to apply that same care to ourselves. Whether you're outside enjoying a day off, walking into work from a parking lot, or educating patients and families, it's essential to understand how ultraviolet (UV) radiation can silently damage skin over time.

Why It Matters: The root cause of many skin cancers including melanoma, the deadliest form is exposure to UV rays from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Early protection and regular skin checks can be lifesaving. As nurses, we can model and teach sun-safe behaviors to our loved ones and patients.

From the Skin Cancer Foundation

• Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: 

  • The UV radiation from the sun is responsible for approximately 90% of  nonmelanoma skin cancers.

  • As noted in a research study, using daily SPF 15 or higher reduces the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by approximately 40%.  

• Melanoma:

  • A study conducted in the United Kingdom estimated that approximately 86% of melanomas are the result of exposure to UV radiation from the sun. 

  • Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent.

  • In the past decade from 2015-2025, there has been an increase of 42% in the number of newly diagnosed cases of invasive melanoma. 

• Indoor Tanning:

  • Indoor tanning devices can emit UV radiation in amounts 10 to 15 times higher than the sun at its peak intensity.

  • Indoor tanning causes more people to develop skin cancer than lung cancer because of smoking.

(Skin Cancer Foundation, 2025)

• Additional Information on Tanning Salons

  • Sunlamps and sunbeds (tanning beds and booths) vary on the type of UV radiation exposure emitted based on the specific lamps of bed used. Other factors that must be evaluated are how long the person stays in the device, and how often it is used. Most tanning beds emit UVA rays, with the remainder being UVB. 

    • UVA rays - emit the least energy of UV rays. They are linked to causing indirect damage to cells’ DNA with the main result of wrinkles but they are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers. 

    • UVB rays - emit slightly more energy than UVA rays which damage DNA in the skin cells directly and are the main rays that cause sunburns. UVB rays are also linked to causing skin cancers. 

(American Cance Society, 2025)

Protecting Yourself: Tips from the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)

1. Wear Sun-Protective Clothing 

Choose clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) label when possible. If not, wear long-sleeved, tightly woven, lightweight fabrics. Don't forget to wear wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and neck protection, such as scarves or gaiters, when outdoors for extended periods.

2. Watch the Clock 

The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If possible, schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, and always seek shade during peak hours, which are particularly significant for children, the elderly, and those with fair skin.

3. Use (and Reuse) Sunscreen 

Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, at least 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or more often if you're sweating or swimming. Don’t forget easily missed spots like ears, lips, scalp (for those with thinning hair), and the tops of feet.

4. Beware of Reflective Surfaces

Water, sand, snow, and even concrete can reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure, even in the shade. Protective gear and sunscreen are musts in these environments.

5. Say No to Tanning Beds 

Indoor tanning is not a safe alternative. Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation that accelerates skin aging and dramatically increases skin cancer risk. Encourage safer options like self-tanning lotions or sprays—but remind patients and teens that they still need SPF even when using these.

Early Detection Saves Lives: The ABCDEs of Melanoma

Do you remember this classic nursing school mnemonic? It’s as relevant today as ever—and not just for patient education, but also for your health. Regular skin self-exams and routine dermatology check-ups are vital.

Here’s a quick refresher on what to look for:

• A = Asymmetry – One half doesn’t match the other

• B = Border – Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges

• C = Color – Varied colors or uneven shades

• D = Diameter – Larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm), though some melanomas are smaller

• E = Evolving – Changing in size, shape, color, or texture

  
  

If you or a patient notices any of these signs, encourage prompt dermatologic evaluation. Nurses are in a unique position to notice skin changes during routine care, so stay alert and speak up.

Final Thoughts for Nurses

Your skin is your body’s first line of defense and just like you advocate for patients, it’s essential to advocate for your well-being. July is a great time to model healthy habits, share sun safety tips at work, and prioritize your preventive care. Whether it's applying sunscreen before you have fun in the sun, advising a parent about safe outdoor play for kids, or encouraging a coworker to book a skin check, you’re making a difference.

Let’s lead by example. Protect your skin. Teach others to do the same. 

References

American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) (2025). How to prevent skin cancer. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevent/how

American Cancer Society. (2025). UV radiation and cancer risk. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/uv-radiation.html

Skin Cancer Foundation. (2025). Skin cancer facts and statistics. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/