May is nationally recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about one of the simplest ways to protect yourself: sun protection.
As the weather warms up and we start spending more time outdoors across New England, your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays every single day. Whether you’re heading to the beach, firing up the grill, or just running errands, that exposure adds up. ☀️
The truth is, most people think they’re doing enough to protect their skin, but even the most well-intentioned routines often fall short. As dermatologists, we see the effects of these gaps every day. Here’s what you need to know to truly protect your skin this summer and beyond.
The Most Common Sun Protection Mistakes
Let’s start with the biggest one: thinking the moisturizer with SPF that you applied in the morning is still protecting you by lunchtime. It’s not. All sunscreens (including those in moisturizer) break down over time, especially when exposed to sun, sweat, water, or friction from clothing or towels. To stay protected, you need to reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. 🧴
Here are a few other common mistakes we see all the time:
Skipping sunscreen on cloudy or overcast days. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, so your skin is still at risk even when the sun isn’t shining.
Forgetting commonly missed areas. The ears, the back of the neck, the tops of the feet, and the hands are among the most overlooked spots and the most vulnerable to sun damage over time.
Assuming darker skin tones don’t need SPF. While higher melanin levels do provide some natural protection, people of all skin tones are susceptible to UV damage and skin cancer.
Relying on makeup with SPF as your only protection. Most people don’t apply nearly enough makeup to reach the SPF level listed on the label. Think of it as a bonus layer, not your primary defense.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
With so many options on the shelves, choosing the right sunscreen can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to look for:
Look for “broad-spectrum” on the label. This means the formula protects against both UVA rays (which cause premature aging) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn). You want protection from both.
Choose SPF 30 or higher. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Going higher offers slightly more protection, but no sunscreen blocks 100%, so reapplication is still essential regardless of the number on the bottle.
Know the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, while mineral sunscreens (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and physically deflect UV rays. Mineral options tend to be better for sensitive skin and are often recommended by dermatologists. 🤍
Consider your skin type and activity. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a lightweight, oil-free formula. If you’re going to be active outdoors or in the water, opt for a water-resistant option and plan to reapply frequently.
Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Complete Sun Safety Routine
Sunscreen is essential, but it shouldn’t be your only line of defense. A well-rounded sun safety routine also includes:
Wearing protective clothing. Lightweight long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses go a long way in reducing your overall exposure. 🕶️
Seeking shade during peak hours. UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When possible, limit direct sun exposure during these hours.
Being mindful of reflective surfaces. Water, sand, snow, and even concrete can reflect UV rays back onto your skin, increasing your exposure even when you’re not in direct sunlight.
What If the Damage Is Already Done?
Even with the best habits, many of us have years of accumulated sun exposure. The good news is that effective treatments are available to address visible sun damage and restore your skin’s health and appearance.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacial targets sun spots, redness, and uneven pigmentation by using light energy to break down discoloration beneath the skin’s surface. It’s a popular option for patients looking to even out their complexion with minimal downtime.
Chemical peels are another excellent option for addressing sun-related texture changes and dark spots. By removing the outermost layers of damaged skin, a chemical peel reveals smoother, more even-toned skin underneath.
No matter where you are in your sun protection journey, an annual skin check with a board-certified dermatologist is one of the most important steps you can take. Early detection of skin cancer is critical, and routine exams help us catch anything concerning before it becomes serious.
Take the Next Step
Prevention is always the best approach, but it’s never too late to start protecting your skin or to address existing damage. Whether you’re looking to build better sun-safety habits, explore treatment options for sun-damaged skin, or schedule your annual skin exam, our team at DermPhysicians of New England is here to help. 💙
We see patients at our Woburn, Burlington, and Beverly locations. Call us at (781) 272-7022 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.