Sun-Kissed or Sun-Stressed? Skincare Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun

Also Learn How to Eliminate Sun Damage

As the days grow longer, the boats begin to return to Newport Harbor, and thoughts turn to beach days, boating, and time spent on the golf course or tennis courts. Still, it is of paramount importance to focus on sun exposure and the inevitable long-term consequences. Sun exposure can lead to several types of skin damage, ranging from cosmetic changes to serious health issues.

Sun exposure can lead to premature aging (photo-aging), as chronic sun exposure accelerates the skin's aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, loss of elasticity, and sunspots. Additionally, hyperpigmentation can result due to increased melanin production, leading to dark spots, patches, or uneven skin tone.

Why Protecting Your Skin is Important, In the Sun and Even the Winter!

Protecting your skin from sun exposure all year long is crucial because UV rays are present even on cloudy, cold, or winter days. Whether you're walking in the snow or sitting by a window, UV radiation can still penetrate and cause long-term damage like premature aging, sun spots, and increased risk of skin cancer. Daily protection—no matter the season—helps keep your skin healthy, youthful, and safe year-round.

Here are some detailed ideas and tips for how to protect your skin in the summer and the winter:

Protect Your Skin in the Summer

Summer sun can be harsh on your skin, but a few simple steps can keep it healthy and glowing:

• Apply Sunscreen Daily: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

• Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when UV rays are strongest.

• Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

• Use After-Sun Care: Soothe and repair your skin with aloe vera or moisturizers after sun exposure.

Taking these precautions helps prevent sunburn, premature aging, and long-term skin damage.

Protect Your Skin in the Winter

Cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and irritated during the winter months. Here’s how to keep it healthy and moisturized:

• Switch to a Richer Moisturizer: Use a thicker cream or balm to lock in moisture and protect your skin barrier from the dry air.

• Use a Gentle Cleanser: Avoid harsh soaps or foaming cleansers that can strip your skin of natural oils.

• Don’t Skip Sunscreen: Even in winter, UV rays can damage your skin—especially when reflected off snow. Apply SPF daily.

• Run a Humidifier: Adding moisture to indoor air helps prevent your skin from drying out.

• Limit Hot Showers: Hot water can be soothing but also drying. Stick to lukewarm showers and apply moisturizer right after.

With the right care, your skin can stay soft, smooth, and protected all winter long.

What Are the Different Kinds of Skin Cancer?

More importantly, precursors to skin cancer, such as actinic keratosis - those rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by long-term sun exposure - can result. The most serious consequence of excessive sun exposure is an increased risk of skin cancer, including:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common form of skin cancer, often appearing as a waxy bump.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Can appear as a firm red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly crust.

• Melanoma: The most dangerous form, can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot on the skin.

Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States. An estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. Approximately 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, with over 3 million Americans affected by nonmelanoma skin cancer annually, which includes BCC and SCC.

Melanoma, though less common, is a serious form of skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that around 197,700 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022. Melanoma, Basal Cell, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma rates have all increased significantly over the past 30 years. From 1976-1984 to 2000-2010, BCC incidences increased by 145% and SCC incidences by 263%.

Don’t Skip on Sun Protection—Or Skin Checks

Protecting your skin from sun exposure isn’t just about avoiding sunburn—it's about preserving your skin’s health for the long run. Consistent sun care can prevent premature aging, dark spots, and most importantly, reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Make sunscreen, shade, and hydration part of your daily routine—but don’t stop there. Schedule a skin check with a dermatologist at least once a year to catch any changes early. Your skin is your body’s largest organ—treat it with the care and attention it deserves. Your future self will thank you.

Treatments to Help Eliminate Sun Damage

Even with the best sun protection habits, sun damage can still occur over time—showing up as dark spots, fine lines, rough texture, and uneven skin tone. Fortunately, several effective treatments can help reverse these effects and restore a healthier, more radiant complexion.

Protecting your skin with sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade can help prevent these types of sun-induced damage. Performing self-examinations regularly to detect new or changing moles or spots is necessary. In addition, visit a dermatologist annually for a professional skin exam.

In addition to the measures above, four of the most effective means to prevent or reverse sun damage include:

Mineral-based sunscreen: Quality mineral-based sunscreens offer several benefits over chemical sunscreens, including immediate UV protection, suitability for sensitive and acne-prone skin, environmental safety, and stability.

Energy-based devices: One such device is the NeoGen PSR. NEOGEN Plasma Treatments: NEOGEN uses nitrogen plasma technology to safely heat the skin, targeting sun damage at various depths without harming surrounding tissue. As quoted recently in Vogue - “It is great at treating sun spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, scarring—including acne scarring—and more. Most importantly, it can be used on all skin types—light and dark.”

Retinoids: Retinoids can effectively reduce signs of sun damage by enhancing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and improving skin texture. Medical grade retinoids, such as Skin Better’s AlphaRet, also reduce the typical irritation found in most prescription or OTC retinol. 

Medium-depth chemical peels: Chemical peels work by exfoliating the outer layers of the skin, removing damaged skin cells, and stimulating the growth of new, healthier skin. Most use stronger acids to penetrate the middle layers of the skin. They effectively treat moderate sun damage, including age spots and fine lines. 

If you’re concerned about signs of sun damage, talk to a skincare professional about which treatment is best for your skin type and goals. With the proper care and guidance, reversing the damage is possible.

Contact firmMD today to schedule a consultation and learn how to protect and care for your skin all year long—maintaining your skin’s health! Call (401) 324-5356 now.