
Five facts about UV exposure and sun safety
pharmafile | July 7, 2025 | Feature | Medical Communications | Dermatology, Five Facts, Oncology, Skin, melanoma, skincare
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
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
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
Water, sand and snow can reflect UV rays meaning people should be extra cautious when spending time near these areas.4
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

This article featured in: July 2025 – The Pharmafile Brief
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