July is UV Safety Month: What Your Skin Wants You to Know by a Primary Care Physician in St. Augustine, FL

As a primary care physician here in sunny St. Augustine, I see firsthand how the Florida sunshine impacts the health of my patients—especially when it comes to skin. July marks UV Safety Month, and it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about how ultraviolet (UV) radiation affects our skin and what we can do to protect ourselves.

We live in a place where sunshine is abundant and the beach is always calling, but that also means we have a higher responsibility to protect our skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and Florida has one of the highest rates in the country. Fortunately, most skin cancers are preventable with good sun safety habits.

Here’s what I want you to know this July—and all year long—about protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.

Understanding UV Radiation: The Good, The Bad, and the Dangerous

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation from the sun. There are two main types that affect our skin:

• UVA rays: These penetrate deep into the skin and are associated with aging (think wrinkles and leathery skin).

• UVB rays: These affect the skin’s surface and are responsible for sunburns. They also play the biggest role in causing skin cancer.

While some sunlight exposure is good for vitamin D production, excessive and unprotected UV exposure damages skin cells’ DNA, which can lead to premature aging, eye damage, and increased cancer risk—especially melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Why UV Safety Matters Even More in Florida

In St. Augustine, we enjoy more than 220 sunny days per year. Combine that with reflective surfaces like sand and water, and the UV exposure multiplies—even on cloudy days. I often remind my patients: If you can get sunburned, you can get skin damage.

UV levels are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which just so happens to be when many people hit the beach, play golf, or work in their yards. Even if you’re not sunbathing, repeated exposure adds up over time.

The Hidden Dangers of Tanning

Let’s talk about tanning—whether it’s at the beach or in a tanning bed. I know a golden tan might seem like a healthy glow, but it’s actually your skin crying for help.

A tan is your body’s defense response to UV damage. There’s no such thing as a “safe tan.” Every time your skin changes color, it’s a sign of injury. Tanning beds are especially dangerous—they expose the body to concentrated UVA and UVB rays, increasing the risk of melanoma significantly, particularly in young women.

Skin Cancer by the Numbers

Here’s why I emphasize UV protection so much in my practice:

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.

• Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk of melanoma.

• Melanoma, though less common than other skin cancers, is far more deadly. Early detection makes a big difference.

Get in the habit of performing routine skin checks. If you notice any changes in your skin, especially moles or spots that itch, bleed, or change shape, please bring it up with your doctor.

Your UV Safety Toolkit: Practical Tips for Summer and Beyond

UV protection doesn’t mean avoiding the sun altogether—it means being smart about how and when you’re exposed. Here’s how to keep your skin healthy in the Florida sun:

1. Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

• Look for SPF 30 or higher.

• Apply 15–30 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every 2 hours (or after swimming or sweating).

• Don’t forget easy-to-miss areas: ears, lips, back of the neck, and tops of feet.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses are essential.

• Many clothing brands now offer UPF-rated (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabrics that block UV rays more effectively than regular clothes.

3. Seek Shade During Peak Hours

• The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon when UV exposure is lower.

4. Be Aware of Reflected UV Rays

• Sand, water, and concrete reflect sunlight, increasing exposure.

• Cloud cover only slightly reduces UV rays—they can still cause damage on overcast days.

5. Protect Kids Early

• Childhood sunburns significantly increase lifetime skin cancer risk.

• Teach kids to wear hats, stay in the shade, and apply sunscreen every day.

What to Watch For: The ABCDEs of Melanoma

When checking your skin at home, remember the ABCDEs of suspicious moles:

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

• B – Border: Edges are irregular or blurred

• C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven coloring

• D – Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm)

• E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or texture

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or a dermatologist.

Final Thoughts: Sun Smart Is Skin Smart

Living in Florida means we’re lucky to have access to natural beauty year-round. But with that privilege comes responsibility. Being sun-smart isn’t about giving up the beach—it’s about making safe skin choices that protect your health long-term.

If you haven’t had a skin check in a while, July is the perfect month to make it a priority. As your primary care doctor here in St. Augustine, I’m happy to include skin screening as part of your visit.

Let’s enjoy the sunshine—safely.

Florida Direct Primary Care in St. Augustine

Dr. Bryant Wilson is a board certified internal medicine physician at Florida Direct Primary Care who develops individualized treatment plans that promote overall health and wellness, tailored to each patient’s unique health needs and goals. If you’re in the St. Augustine area and looking for a primary care doctor, contact us to learn more about our practice. Visit FloridaDPC.com, email us at info@FloridaDPC.com, or call 904-650-2882.

This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating individual health problems or diseases. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

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