How to Protect Your Skin This Summer

As summer ramps up, so does our exposure to the sun, which means more risk of skin damage and skin cancer. As the summer sun beats down, here are some tips on staying safe in the sun, and what you need to know about sun protection, early detection, and smart summertime habits.

The Sun Is Stronger Than You Think

You might think you’re safe on a cloudy day or under an umbrella, but UV rays can still reach your skin. Even at a baseball game on an overcast day, you still need to wear your sunscreen. The sun is serious, and skin cancer is serious. People should take the necessary precautions to prevent damage where possible.

Even when it’s cloudy or you're sitting in the shade, UV rays can sneak through and bounce off reflective surfaces like water, sand, or even concrete. Fishing, boating, or just being near water increases your UV exposure more than most people realize.

Avoid the Midday Sun

One of the easiest ways to protect your skin? Stay out of the sun when it’s at its peak. Ultraviolet rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you can avoid being out during that time, you’re taking a huge step toward protecting your skin. Even everyday chores like mowing the grass can contribute significantly to sun exposure. If possible, push those activities to the early morning or late afternoon to minimize exposure.

Don’t Rely on Shade Alone

Even if you spend a sunny day in the shade of a beach umbrella, you can still get burned. You may think seeking shade is a solution to overexposure, and although it does lessen the damage, things like umbrellas and cabanas often aren’t as UV protective as we think. Depending on where you are, UV rays reflect off water and sand. You absolutely still need sunscreen, even in the shade.

Sunscreen: How Much and How Often?

If there’s one non-negotiable in your summer routine, it’s sunscreen. SPF 30 is the minimum. Once you start getting SPF numbers above 30, the protection only increases in small increments. SPF 100 sounds great, but the key isn’t just which sunscreen SPF number you choose, but how much sunscreen you use and how often you use it.

• Use one ounce (about a shot glass full) to cover your body in a bathing suit.
• Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure to form a uniform protective layer.
• Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating heavily.

UV-Protective Clothing: A Game-Changer

Sunscreen is important, but UV clothing is something we often recommend even before sunscreen. Today’s UV-protective clothing is breathable, cooling, and comfortable. And the best part? The SPF protection doesn’t wear off like sunscreen does. If you’ll be outside for an extended period, consider wearing long sleeved UV-protective shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Your skin will thank you.

Skin Checks Save Lives

While prevention is crucial, early detection is just as important. We can’t stress this enough: skin cancer is preventable, but early detection is what prevents death from skin cancer. Get a full-body skin exam once a year from a medical professional. It doesn’t always have to be a dermatologist, but someone trained to spot warning signs. Not all skin cancers appear in sun-exposed areas, so a thorough, head-to-toe check once a year is vital.

Final Thoughts

Summer should be about enjoying the outdoors safely. Avoid peak sun hours, wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen generously and often, and don’t skip your annual skin exam. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so be sure to protect it well.

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Dr. Chad Hendrickson is a board certified Dermatologist in the Butler and Clarion Areas. This blog is based off of an interview he did with KDKA Radio in May 2025. Listen to the interview here.