Derm-Approved Sun Smarts: Quick expert advice for summer skin that shines—safely!
When summer rolls around, we all want to get outside—whether it's a beach day, a backyard BBQ, or just walking the dog in the sunshine. But as a dermatologist, I see firsthand the damage that sun exposure can cause, from sunburns and premature aging to skin cancer, which remains the most common cancer in the United States.
The good news? A little awareness and prevention can go a long way. Below are my five go-to tips for keeping your skin safe, healthy, and glowing all summer long.
1. SPF Every Day—Yes, Even When It’s Cloudy
Quick tip: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even if you're not hitting the beach. Reapply every 2 hours (or after sweating or swimming).
2. Protect the “Forgotten” Zones
Most people remember their arms and face—but what about your ears, scalp, feet, and the back of your neck?
🧢 Wear a wide-brimmed hat
🕶️ Don’t skip the sunglasses (bonus: protects your eyes from UV damage)
👃 Use stick sunscreens to easily reach tricky areas like around the nose and ears
📷 Figure 1: Diagram showing commonly missed areas during sunscreen application (highlighted in red).
3. Timing Is Everything: Avoid Peak UV Hours
The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you're outside during this time, try to find shade or carry an umbrella.
🕒 Tip: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun is too strong!
📊 Figure 2: Line chart of UV index throughout the day, peaking at noon.
4. Don't Be Fooled by a Tan—It’s Still Damage
A tan is your body’s way of saying, “Help, I’m injured.” Tanning (including indoor tanning beds) increases your risk of melanoma and speeds up skin aging.
📉 Figure 3: Infographic: One indoor tanning session = 20% increased melanoma risk.
5. Know Your Skin (And When to See a Dermatologist)
Check your skin monthly. Look for new spots or moles that are changing, bleeding, or not healing. The ABCDE rule is a good guide:
Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Color changes
Diameter >6mm
Evolving in size or shape (most sensitive predictor)
🩺 If something seems off, don’t wait—get it checked. Early detection saves lives.
📷 Figure 4: ABCDE visual chart showing examples of warning signs in moles.
Final Thoughts:
Staying safe in the sun doesn’t mean hiding indoors. With the right habits, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer—and keep your skin healthy in the long run. Your future self (and your dermatologist) will thank you.
Wishing you a safe and sun-smart summer!
—Dr. Taha Rasul and Dr. Ben Cooper
References:
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/practice-safe-sun