Summertime Fun: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Sun Safety

Summer, with its clear skies and longer days, is the perfect time to head outside. But while you're hiking, gardening, or lounging by the pool, don't forget to protect your skin.

Sun safety isn’t just about avoiding sunburns. It's also about preventing long-term damage, premature aging, and reducing your risk of skin cancer. 

At Limmer Dermatology in San Antonio, Texas, we’re passionate about helping you keep your skin healthy all year long, including during our hot, bright summers. 

Here’s your complete guide to enjoying the season safely.

Know about UV

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., even on cloudy days. These invisible rays are responsible for skin aging and burning, and they increase your risk of skin cancer. 

UV rays reflect off surfaces like water, sand, and concrete, meaning you can still get sun exposure when you’re in the shade. Try to avoid direct sun exposure during these prime hours.

Use sunscreen daily

Daily SPF isn’t just for beach days or pool days — it’s for every day. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. 

Look for mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for reliable, sensitive-skin-friendly coverage.

Remember to apply it to commonly overlooked spots like your ears, scalp, lips, the tops of your feet, and the back of your neck.

Dress smartly

Protective clothing is just as effective as sunscreen. Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Many brands now offer UPF-rated clothing specifically designed to protect your skin while keeping you cool.

Stay hydrated

Summer heat can quickly lead to dehydration, which impacts your skin’s health and your body’s ability to cool itself. 

Carry water with you wherever you go and sip frequently. Hydrated skin is more resilient and better able to handle sun exposure.

Check your skin regularly

Regularly check your skin for any new moles or changes to existing ones. Look for spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal. If you notice anything unusual, schedule a skin check at our office. 

Early detection is one of the best ways to avoid skin cancer complications. Don’t forget to schedule a yearly skin check at our office, too.

Care for sunburned skin

Sunburns happen. Soothe your skin with aloe vera gel, drink extra water, and avoid further sun exposure while healing. If you experience severe blistering, pain, or fever, give our office a call.

Reverse sun damage

Fine lines, wrinkles, irregular skin tone, and dark spots are all signs of sun damage. 

If you’ve experienced sun damage from summers past, we offer chemical peeling,  microneedling, laser treatment, and intense pulsed light therapy to erase visible signs of sun damage.

Book your medical or aesthetic skin care appointment at Limmer Dermatology by calling today or using this website.