Your Skin and Eyes Need Sun Protection All Year

You don’t have to spend hours outside to get too much sun. For many of us in Yuba, Sutter, Butte, and Sacramento counties, it happens during ordinary days — a walk to the bus stop, a lunch break outside, a pickup basketball game with the kids.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. About 1 in 5 Americans will develop it in their lifetime, and more than 90% of cases are linked to time spent in the sun without protection. It’s also one of the most preventable cancers there is, and the steps that make a difference are simple.

Key Takeaways

Sun protection is a year-round habit. UV rays penetrate clouds and are present in every season, so daily protection matters more than saving it for beach days.
Sunscreen actually moves the needle on cancer risk. Regular use has been shown to cut your melanoma risk by around 50% and squamous cell carcinoma risk by about 40%.
Your eyes are as vulnerable as your skin. UV rays are the leading preventable cause of cataracts worldwide, and the damage happens gradually before you notice any change in your vision.
Higher risk is worth knowing about. If you have lighter skin, work outdoors, have a family history of skin cancer, or take certain medications, talk with your doctor about what additional precautions make sense for you.

What the Sun Does to Your Skin

A single sunburn fades, but the cellular damage behind it does not. Skin cancer typically develops from repeated, unprotected time in the sun over many years, which is why consistent daily habits matter more than any single beach trip.

UVA vs. UVB: What’s the Difference?

The sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation that affect your skin differently:

UVB rays cause direct DNA damage and are the primary driver of skin cancer.
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and skin cancer.

A good sunscreen protects against both. Look for “broad spectrum” on the label — that’s the FDA designation confirming UVA and UVB coverage.

Does Sunscreen Actually Work?

Regular use has been shown to reduce your risk of melanoma by around 50% and squamous cell carcinoma by about 40%.

SPF ratings aren’t linear:

SPF	UVB Blocked
15	~93%
30	~97%
50	~98%

The difference between SPF 30 and 50 is small. Stanford Medicine dermatologists often recommend a higher SPF because most people apply less than they should, but if a higher SPF feels greasy or irritating, a lower one used consistently beats a higher one you avoid.

Apply generously: If an 8-ounce bottle is lasting you all summer, you’re not using enough, according to the Stanford team.
Wear sunscreen every day. Apply it 15 minutes before heading out and reapply every two hours outdoors.
Cover up when you can. A hat with a brim, lightweight long sleeves, and UV-protective clothing all help.
Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are most intense.
Check your skin. New spots, moles that change shape or color, or sores that won’t heal are worth bringing up at your next visit.

Clouds don’t block UV rays reliably. Overcast days still carry real risk.

What the Sun Does to Your Eyes

You might be careful about sunscreen and still not think twice about skipping sunglasses. Sun damage to your eyes doesn’t show up right away, so it’s easy to deprioritize. But UV rays are the leading preventable cause of cataracts worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

They’re also tied to macular degeneration and growths on the eye’s surface that can affect your vision. By the time these conditions become noticeable, they’ve often been developing for years.

Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. Check the label. Dark lenses without UV blocking are actually worse than nothing, because they cause your pupils to dilate while UV rays still pass through.
Add a wide-brimmed hat for extra coverage.
Never look directly at the sun, including during a solar eclipse.

If you have kids, their eyes are more susceptible to sun damage than yours, and they spend more time outside. Making sunglasses part of their routine early pays off for their long-term eye health.

Are You at Higher Risk of Skin Cancer?

You may face higher risk if you have lighter skin, work outdoors, have a personal or family history of skin cancer, or take medications that increase sun sensitivity. If any of that applies to you, ask your doctor what additional precautions make sense.

One commonly missed detail: your lips, ears, and the tops of your feet need sunscreen too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Sunscreen typically has a shelf life of two to three years, and its active ingredients break down after that. Check the expiration date on the bottle, and if it’s been sitting in a hot car or bag all season, replace it. Degraded sunscreen gives you a false sense of protection.

Not necessarily. UV protection in sunglasses comes from a coating applied to the lens, not the quality of the frame or the darkness of the tint. A $15 pair labeled “100% UV-A and UV-B protection” offers the same UV defense as a $200 pair with the same label. Always check the tag before you buy.

It does, but the amount blocked by regular sunscreen use is minimal, and most people still get enough sun to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. If you’re concerned about deficiency, diet and supplements are a reliable way to make up the difference — fatty fish, fortified dairy, and over-the-counter supplements all work well. You don’t have to choose between protecting your skin and getting enough vitamin D.

Come See Us at Peach Tree Health

If you’re due for a checkup, have a skin concern you’ve been putting off, or want an eye exam, Peach Tree Health is here for you at locations in Linda, Yuba City, Live Oak, North Sacramento, and Chico — regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay.

Call us at (530) 749-3242 or find a location near you.

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