By Momina Mazhar, MD, FAAD, Mary Washington Dermatology
As we head into the summer months, I want to share a few important reminders about protecting your skin while enjoying time outdoors. Sunshine is one of the best parts of summer as it lifts our mood, brings us outside, and helps us stay active. However, too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
The good news is that protecting your skin does not mean avoiding the outdoors. It simply means being mindful of when and how long you are in the sun and taking a few simple precautions.
One of the most important things you can do is limit exposure during peak sunlight hours, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen correctly and consistently. It is also important to avoid indoor tanning and to begin sun protection habits early in life. Childhood sun exposure plays a significant role in long-term skin health, and even one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly double the risk of developing melanoma later in life.<
Sunscreen is one of the most effective tools we have to protect our skin, and I recommend using it every day. The American Academy of Dermatology advises using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30. This applies to people of all skin tones and should be part of your routine even on cloudy days or when spending only a short time outside.
Many people are surprised to learn that UV rays can penetrate clouds. Skin damage can still occur even when the sun is not shining brightly, and that damage adds up over time. Making sunscreen part of your daily routine is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin in the long term.
When choosing a sunscreen, you may notice there are two main types: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb UV radiation before it can harm the skin. Mineral sunscreens, which include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, act as a barrier that reflects and scatters UV rays.<
Both options are effective when used properly. Mineral sunscreens are often a good choice for people with sensitive skin, while chemical sunscreens tend to blend more easily without leaving a white cast. The most important factor is finding sunscreen you feel comfortable using every day.
You may also wonder what SPF really means. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, refers to how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. An SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 97 percent of these rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98 percent. While this difference may seem small, higher SPF products offer an added level of protection, especially since most people do not apply enough sunscreen.
For sunscreen to be effective, it must be applied correctly. For full-body coverage, you should use about one ounce each time you apply. For your face and neck, one teaspoon is recommended. Most people only use about half of this amount, which reduces protection.
It is also important to reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. A higher SPF does not mean you can go longer without reapplying.
Beyond sunscreen, I encourage you to pay attention to areas that are often overlooked. I frequently see skin cancers on the ears, behind the ears, the lower eyelids, lips, the back of the neck, and the scalp, especially in individuals with thinning hair. These areas receive direct sun exposure and are easily missed.
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF can provide additional protection. Clothing can also make a difference. Sun-protective garments labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) are designed to block UV rays. Long sleeves, higher collars, and loose-fitting clothing provide better coverage and help reduce overall sun exposure.
While prevention is essential, early detection is equally important. The most common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These may appear as shiny or pearly bumps, or as rough, scaly, or persistent red patches. A sore that does not heal, a lesion that bleeds, or any spot that continues to change should be evaluated.
For melanoma, I encourage you to remember the ABCDE rule: asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, diameter larger than 6 millimeters, and evolving changes in size, shape, or color. Another helpful guide is the “ugly duckling” sign—a mole that looks different from others on your body.
One of the best habits you can adopt is regularly checking your own skin. Many skin cancers are first noticed by individuals or their loved ones. I recommend doing a skin check a few times each year and asking a partner or family member to help examine hard-to-see areas, such as your back or scalp.
If you notice anything new, changing, bleeding, or not healing after a few weeks, I encourage you to see a dermatologist. Early detection can make a significant difference and often leads to more effective treatment.
By taking a few simple steps each day, you can greatly reduce your risk of skin damage while still enjoying everything summer has to offer.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Mary Washington Dermatology, please visit dermatology.mwhc.com or call 540.899.1600.
Editor’s note: This article was provided by Mary Washington Healthcare, a corporate sponsor of the Fredericksburg Free Press. As part of its continued partnership with MWHC, the Free Press will publish monthly public health awareness content on topics such as wellness, preventative care and the latest advancements in healthcare. Content has been edited for clarity and style by the editorial staff.
