July isn’t just for fireworks and hotdogs – it’s National UV Safety Month. This is a great time to spread the message of safe fun in the sun. Whether you step up your current skin protection routine or make sure your loved ones stay protected, it is always a good idea to be conscious of the sun’s effect on your skin.

The sun releases energy or radiation in several different forms. Two common forms are the sunlight you can see and the heat you can feel. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are another form of invisible energy released from the sun. Although these are invisible to the eye, the effects are very visible.

Your skin, the largest organ, protects you against heat, sunlight, injury and infection. When you damage your skin with harmful amounts of UV rays, this can cause vision problems, age spots, leathery skin and can weaken your immune system. UV rays have been found to cause some forms of cancer. Overexposure may result in smaller but chronic health issues on your skin, eyes and immune system.

The sun gets a bad rap with talk of overexposure and skin cancer. Although these are very serious matters, there are some benefits to being out in the sun. A controlled amount of UV exposure induces production of vitamin D. This vitamin helps with calcium metabolism, building up your immunity, increasing cell proliferation, monitoring insulin secretion and blood pressure and lifting your mood.

To get the most out of your time in the sun, revisit our tips for summer skin safety.

If you have any questions about skin protection or any changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.