Dr. Liggett is Shining a Light on UV Awareness
July 22, 2025
Here in Michigan, many live for the summer. Hiking, beaches, swimming, sports, barbeque on the back patio with family and friends, are just some of the activities we fit into the short couple months of summer. Michigan summers are meant to be enjoyed outside! July is UV Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating our patients about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and teaching everyone how to enjoy the outside with proper sun safety.
😎Sunshine: The Good and the Bad
While sunshine is essential for vitamin D synthesis and boosting our mood, improper exposure to UV rays can have serious consequences. We recently shared local meteorologist Keith Thompson’s story on his personal journey with Melanoma. Both UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin, damaging DNA and accelerating skin aging. According to Dr. Jessica Liggett “We know that the more sun exposure we have the higher our risk for not only skin cancer, but photo aging, wrinkles, sunspots, things that nobody wants to deal with when we get older.”
✅ Top Sun Safety Tips
The AAD encourages everyone to #PracticeSafeSun by following three simple but powerful steps:
- Seek Shade: Especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection. Look for clothing labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) for added defense [1].
- Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating [2]. We sell a variety of options in our Laser and Skin Care Center!
🔍 Skin Cancer Prevention Starts with Early Detection
UV Awareness Month is also a great time to perform regular skin self-exams. Look for new or changing spots, moles, or lesions, and consult one of our board-certified dermatologists if you notice anything suspicious. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
🌞 Make Sun Protection a Daily Habit
As Dr. Liggett points out, we say it until we are blue in the face. It’s that important. Sun safety should be practiced year around, but the message is especially vital during the summer months when UV exposure peaks. By adopting sun-safe habits, you not only reduce your risk of skin cancer but also maintain healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
Let’s make UV protection a daily habit—not just in July, but every day. Your skin will thank you.
References
[1] Practice Safe Sun – American Academy of Dermatology
[2] It’s UV Awareness Month! Take a look at how AAD promotes sun safety …