Shedding Light on UV Safety: What Everyone Needs to Know This Summer

Hello everyone, I’m Dr. Coupet from Coupet Quality Clinic (CQC), and since July is UV Safety Awareness Month, I’d like to talk to you about something we all love—sunshine—and how to enjoy it safely. Whether you’re working outside, heading to the beach, or just running errands on a sunny day, it’s important to understand the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and how to protect your skin, no matter your age, lifestyle, or skin tone.

Let’s make one thing clear right from the start: anyone can get sunburned. And over time, repeated unprotected sun exposure can lead to much more serious consequences—including skin cancer, premature aging, and eye damage. So this conversation isn’t just for people with fair skin or who live near the beach. This is for all of us, including me as your physician.

What Is UV Radiation?

Let’s start with the basics. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of energy emitted by the sun. There are two main types of UV rays that affect our health:

• UVA rays: These penetrate deep into the skin and are associated with skin aging, wrinkles, and some skin cancers.
• UVB rays: These are responsible for sunburns and are the primary cause of most skin cancers.

UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and while cloud cover might reduce some UV exposure, it doesn’t eliminate it. You can still be exposed to UV rays on cloudy days or while sitting near a window.

Yes, Dark Skin Can Burn

A common misconception I hear, especially in communities of color, is: “I don’t need sunscreen—I have melanin.”

Let’s clear that up.

Melanin does offer some natural protection from UV rays—it can make sunburns less obvious and may reduce the risk of some skin cancers—but it does not make you immune to sun damage. People with darker skin can and do get sunburned. More importantly, they can develop skin cancer, and because of this myth, it’s often diagnosed much later—which makes it harder to treat.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the five-year melanoma survival rate for Black patients is just 70%, compared to 94% for white patients. That’s not because the cancer is more aggressive. It’s because by the time it’s caught, it’s often more advanced. That should be a wake-up call for all of us.

So if you have brown or black skin, yes, you need sun protection too.

What Happens When We Skip Protection?

If you’ve ever had a sunburn, you’ve felt the short-term effects of UV overexposure: redness, pain, peeling, and sometimes even fever or chills. But the long-term effects are far more serious. These include:

• Increased risk of skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma)
• Sunspots and hyperpigmentation
• Wrinkles and premature skin aging
• Weakened immune system (UV radiation can suppress the skin’s immune response)
• Cataracts and other eye damage

The problem with UV damage is that it builds up over time. You may not feel or see the harm right away, but it’s accumulating, and your future self will thank you for the precautions you take today.

How to Protect Yourself from UV Damage

Let’s talk about action steps. The good news is that UV protection doesn’t have to be complicated. Small daily habits make a huge difference.

1. Wear Sunscreen (Yes, Every Day)

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Make sure it has an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Apply it to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days.
• Reapply every 2 hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating.

There are now many formulations that blend well with darker skin tones and don’t leave a white residue. If you’ve avoided sunscreen in the past because of how it looked or felt, it might be time to explore some new options.

2. Seek Shade

• Especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), try to stay in shaded areas.
• Use an umbrella, sit under a tree, or bring a portable canopy if you’re going to be outside for a while.

3. Cover Up

• Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing can block UV rays.
• Look for clothing labeled with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor).
• Wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses can protect your face and eyes.

4. Check the UV Index

Many weather apps now include a daily UV index, which rates the level of UV radiation expected. On high UV days, take extra precautions or limit time in direct sun.

5. Don’t Rely on Tanning or Sunburn as a Signal

Sun damage doesn’t always show up immediately. You might think you’re fine because you “don’t burn”—but if your skin tans or darkens after sun exposure, that’s still a sign of UV damage.

What About Vitamin D?

This is a great question and one I hear often. Yes, sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function. But it doesn’t take much sun to make enough vitamin D—10 to 15 minutes a few times a week is usually sufficient, and you can also get it from food or supplements if needed.

So no, skipping sunscreen isn’t a safe or effective way to boost vitamin D.

What to Watch For

Skin cancer can be sneaky. Here’s what I want you to watch for:

• A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
• A sore that doesn’t heal
• New growths or patches of discolored skin
• Itching, bleeding, or crusting in an existing spot

Don’t ignore these changes, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer or you’ve had frequent sunburns in the past. If you notice anything concerning, please reach out. We can examine it and, if necessary, refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation.

For Our CQC Community

I know that in our community, sun safety often isn’t part of the conversation. But it needs to be.

Whether you’re a roofer, a bus driver, a landscaper, or just someone who enjoys weekend barbecues with the family, you are at risk of UV damage. And the truth is, we’ve seen far too many people wait until something becomes serious before they take it seriously.

At CQC, we don’t want that for you.

If you’re unsure what sunscreen is right for your skin type, or if you’ve noticed changes in your skin that concern you, come in and talk to me. Part of our commitment to whole-person care is making sure that you’re not only feeling well but also staying well, long-term.

Final Thought: Everyone Deserves Protection

This July, let’s shift the narrative. UV protection is not about vanity—it’s about health. It’s about honoring the body you’ve been given and doing your part to protect it, one step, one habit, one sunscreen application at a time.

The sun will always rise—and I hope you enjoy it. Just do it wisely.

I’m Dr. Coupet, The People’s Doctor, and I’m here to help you protect your health from the inside out. Stay safe, stay shaded, and I’ll see you at your next visit.

Previous Post

Celebrating National Walking Month: Step into Better Health

Read More