Toast Burning

Five facts about UV exposure and sun safety

pharmafile | July 7, 2025 | Feature | Medical Communications Dermatology, Five Facts, Oncology, Skin, melanoma, skincare 

1

We can acclimatise to UV exposure. For example, we’re more likely to burn if there’s a sunny spell earlier in the spring/summer season than towards the end of it as we’ve been exposed to limited UV over the winter months.1

2

Getting sunburnt once every two years can triple the risk of developing melanoma, compared to never getting burnt. After getting burnt, not all damage to cells is repaired, and after a number of occurrences, this damage builds up over time.2

3

In 2009, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified exposure to UV sun lamps, sunbeds and tanning booths as a group 1 carcinogen. This categorises them as equally dangerous as alcohol or tobacco.3 

4

Water, sand and snow can reflect UV rays meaning people should be extra cautious when spending time near these areas.4   

5

The WHO recommends 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure two to three times a week to obtain a sufficient amount of vitamin D, which is essential as it helps the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food and assists in bone development.5

References:
1 https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2016/04/18/nine-things-you-need-to-know-about-uv-ultraviolet-radiation/
2 https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2023/07/31/12-myths-about-sun-safety-debunked/
3 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6ppjqn5ze5o
4 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sun-safety
5 https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-known-health-effects-of-ultraviolet-radiation; https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/ultraviolet-radiation.html#cdc_facts_stats_comm_que-common-questions

The Pharmafile Brief

This article featured in: July 2025 – The Pharmafile Brief

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