Under the Lebanese Sun: Beauty, Light, and the Danger We Can’t See

In Lebanon, the sun is part of our daily life. We enjoy over 300 sunny days a year; perfect for beach trips, mountain hikes, outdoor lunches, and sunny afternoons on the balcony. But while the sun brings warmth, joy, and beauty, it also brings something invisible and dangerous: ultraviolet (UV) rays.
These rays can quietly damage our skin over time. They can lead to early aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. And what’s most surprising? Most of this is preventable. At LAU Medical Center Saint John’s Hospital, we’ve seen more patients with sun-related skin conditions. Many are shocked to learn how common and treatable skin cancer is, if caught early.

So, What Are UV Rays?
UV rays are invisible rays of light from the sun. There are two main types:

• UVA rays cause aging and long-term damage.
• UVB rays cause sunburn and are strongly linked to skin cancer.

The tricky part? You don’t have to be lying on the beach to be exposed. UV rays reach us:

• While walking to work
• Sitting near a window
• Driving in the car
• Even on cloudy days

Skin Cancer Can Happen to Anyone
In Lebanon, many people believe skin cancer only affects those with very light skin. That’s not true. Skin cancer can affect anyone, and it’s becoming more common here. It often starts small, a mole that looks different, a spot that doesn’t heal, a patch of skin that feels off. But if found early, it can be treated easily and successfully. That’s why awareness is important.

How Can We Protect Ourselves?
You don’t have to stay indoors to stay safe. A few simple habits can go a long way:

• Wear sunscreen every day. Even in winter. Use SPF 30 or higher.
• Cover up with hats, sunglasses, and light clothing.
• Avoid direct sun between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Check your skin for any changes. If something looks different, get it checked.
• Teach kids to protect their skin, it’s a habit that can last a lifetime.

Enjoy the Sun, While Being Smart
We’re not saying to avoid the sun. Our country is full of beautiful days, and we should enjoy them. But we should also respect the sun and protect our skin. At LAU Medical Center Saint John’s Hospital, we believe that small changes can make a big difference. Sun safety is easy and it can save lives. So next time you step outside, take one extra minute to put on sunscreen and grab your hat. Your skin will thank you today and in the years to come. To book your appointment, call us at 09 640 140 or visit our website laumcsjh.com