Protect Your Skin this Summer

Here are some helpful tips to keep your skin safe and protected.

Summertime means more fun in the sun while keeping your skin protected during beach days, outdoor runs, and backyard BBQs. Luckily, it’s not all that challenging to keep your skin safe—all it takes is a little know-how. If you have concerns about your skin, you notice changes in a mole or you’re simply looking for the best sunscreen for your skin type, a dermatologist can help.

Apply Sunscreen Daily

Whether the weather is sunny or rainy, you need to wear sunscreen every day to protect against the sun’s damaging UV rays. You’ll want a broad-spectrum sunscreen that states that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply an ample amount of sunscreen (with at least an SPF of 15) to your face and body about 20-30 minutes before going outdoors. Make sure to reapply every two hours (but you may need to reapply sooner if you go swimming or are sweating).

Seek Shade When Outdoors

The sun’s rays are at their strongest between 10 am – 4 pm. While it’s best to avoid being outdoors for any length of time, we also get that you may wish to lie by the pool or at the beach, and you shouldn’t be deprived. In this case, make sure to not only lather on the sunscreen (and keep reapplying) but also stay in the shade. You can sit outside but do so under an umbrella that can block some of the sun’s rays.

Wear a Hat

While wearing sunscreen is necessary for protecting your skin from the sun, it’s also essential that you wear the proper gear. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat when out in the garden, walking around the neighborhood, or even chilling on the beach will keep the sun out of your eyes and protect your face, ears, and neck from getting burned.

Don’t Forget Your Sunglasses

The skin around your eyes is incredibly thin and delicate, so you also want to ensure that it’s not getting damaged by the sun (these areas are particularly vulnerable). To block the sun’s rays from damaging your eyes and the skin around your eyes, make sure that you are wearing sunglasses when you’re outdoors. Find sunglasses with lenses that truly block UV rays. It’s worth the investment.

A dermatologist is an ideal specialist for all of your skincare needs, whether it’s time to schedule your annual skin cancer screening or if you have other concerns.