Understanding UV Rays in Summer: How Sunlight Affects Skin Health

Summer is the season when UV rays from the sun become more intense, leading to increased skin tanning and a higher risk of sun damage. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and discusses the importance of sun safety. We will also examine the harmful effects of UV rays on the skin, the current trends in tanning, and the importance of protecting yourself from harmful sunlight.

Why Are UV Rays Stronger in Summer?

UV rays from the sun can indeed be stronger in the summer months, which is why more people experience tanned or darkened skin during this time. Here's an overview of the key factors contributing to this:

Angle of the Sun

In summer, the sun is higher in the sky, leading to its rays hitting the Earth more directly. This increases the intensity of UV radiation. The stronger the sun's rays, the more damage they can cause to the skin.

Longer Days and More Sun Exposure

Summer days are typically longer, providing more hours of sunlight exposure. This extended period means there is more opportunity for UV rays to harm the skin. However, it's important to note that the increase in UV intensity is largely due to the sun's angle and daylight hours, rather than just increased temperature.

Geographical Factors

Locations closer to the equator receive more intense UV radiation year-round. During the summer, this effect becomes even more pronounced. The closer you are to the equator, the more crucial it is to practice sun safety.

The Role of UV Rays in Skin Damage

UV rays from the sun play a significant role in skin damage. Here's a detailed look at how UV rays, particularly UVB and UVA, impact the skin:

UVB Rays and Immediate Skin Damage

UVB rays are short, high-energy wavelengths that are absorbed by the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. When the skin burns, it is a response to UVB rays. The skin produces chemicals called inflammatory mediators, which can seep into the dermis, the skin's middle layer. These chemicals irritate the tiny blood vessels in the dermis, causing the surface redness of a burn.

Additionally, UVB rays can affect the genetic material of the epidermis, causing damage that may lead to skin cancer. They also interfere with the skin's ability to repair itself and attack the skin's melanocytes (pigment cells). In response, melanocytes increase melanin production, sending melanosomes to the skin's surface to act as a filter against the sun's rays. This genetic damage can cause freckling, age spots, and contribute to the development of melanoma and other skin cancers.

UVA Rays and Long-Term Skin Damage

UVA rays are longer than UVB rays and can penetrate deeper into the skin. They affect the DNA of cells in the dermis, attack cell membranes, and change the proteins that make up collagen and elastin, which support the skin's fibrous structure. This leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. UVA rays also contribute to the loss of support for the skin's tiny blood vessels, causing permanent dilation and visible ruddiness or spider veins. They also play a role in the development of skin cancer.

Current Trends in Tanning and Sun Safety

A study by the American Academy of Dermatology highlights the attitudes of teens toward tanning and sun safety:

63% of teens believe they look better with a tan. 59% of teens believe that people look healthier with a tan. 43% of teens say they lie out in the sun. 28% of female teens and 14% of male teens say they never use sunblock. Only 30% of teens who lie out in the sun say they always use sunblock.

There has been an increase in the use of indoor tanning beds, which is a very dangerous practice. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, indoor tanning before the age of 35 has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Over a million Americans 70% of whom are girls and women under 30, visit tanning salons daily.

The Thinning Ozone Layer and Sun Safety

The ozone layer, which provides a protective layer from the sun's harmful rays, has been thinning due to air pollution. As a result, more damaging UV rays can reach the Earth, leading to an increase in skin cancer cases. Therefore, sun safety is more important than ever.

Protecting your skin from UV radiation is the best way to reduce the risk of all skin cancers, including melanoma. Be sun smart and avoid tanning beds. The American Academy of Dermatology provides resources and information on sun safety at

For more information about the major types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma, visit our Skin Resource Center at