During springtime, I often share handouts from the American Academy of Dermatology about sunscreen use. But the truth is, conversations about sun protection should not start in spring—they should happen year-round.
Why? Because the sun is always there.
Even on cloudy, rainy, or snowy days, your skin is still exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. So let’s start with a simple but important question:
🌤 Is the Sun Good or Bad?
Like most things in life, the answer lies in the balance. Sun exposure comes with both benefits and risks, and understanding both helps us make better health decisions.
✅ Benefits of Sun Exposure
Sunlight plays an important role in your overall health:
- Vitamin D production: Ultraviolet (UV) light helps your body synthesize vitamin D, which supports bone health, muscle function, and the immune system.
- Improved mood: Sunlight boosts “feel-good” hormones like serotonin and beta-endorphins.
- Better sleep: Exposure to natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm.
- Mental health support: Conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are linked to reduced sunlight in winter months.
- Skin conditions: Controlled sun exposure may help conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- Medical uses: Sunlight is also used in treating newborn jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia).
- Lifestyle benefits: Simply being outdoors supports physical and mental well-being.
⚠ Risks of Sun Exposure
Sun exposure can have serious consequences:
- Skin cancer: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that about 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are linked to sun exposure.
- Premature aging: Wrinkles, sunspots, and loss of skin elasticity.
- Eye damage: Chronic vision changes such as macular degeneration and cataracts can occur as well as chronic tissue changes such as pterygium (“surfer’s eye”) or pinguecula.
These risks occur due to the UV radiation from the sun.
☢ Understanding UV Radiation
There are three types of ultraviolet rays:
- UVA: Penetrates deep into the skin, causing aging and tanning
- UVB: Causes sunburn and DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer
- UVC: The most dangerous, but absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer and does not reach us
🛡 How to Protect Your Skin
Simple lifestyle habits can significantly reduce UV exposure:
- Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
- Wear protective clothing (dark colors like navy, black, or deep red)
- Use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses
- Seek shade whenever possible
- Eat a colorful, antioxidant-rich diet (vegetables and fruits)
- Care for your skin after sun exposure (e.g., moisturizing with aloe vera)
🧴 Sunscreens: What You Need to Know
Sunscreen is a key part of sun protection. There are two main types:
Chemical Sunscreen
- Works by absorbing UV rays like a sponge
- Common ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, and octinoxate
- Needs to be applied 20-30 minutes before sun exposure
- Blends easily into the skin (no white residue)
- May cause skin irritation in some people
- Some ingredients are being studied for potential negative effects on the body. Despite concerns, the American Academy of Dermatology maintains that sunscreen is safe and its benefits outweigh potential risks.
Physical (Mineral) Sunscreen
- Works by reflecting UV rays
- Contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- Works immediately upon application
- Often leaves a white cast
- Wears off more easily
- Commonly used in children’s sunscreens
💡 Tip: Children’s mineral sunscreens are often more affordable and just as effective for adults.
Physical sunscreen is my preferred choice of sunscreen but I still do use chemical sunscreen when I do not have access to the physical sunscreen.
💡 How to Use Sunscreen Effectively
- Choose broad-spectrum protection
- Use SPF 30 or higher
- Pick water-resistant formulas when needed
- Reapply every 80 minutes, or sooner if sweating or swimming
🔍 When to See a Doctor
If you notice any changes in your skin, don’t wait—get it checked promptly.
For guidance on warning signs, refer to the ABCDEs of melanoma from the American Academy of Dermatology.
While any time is a good time to see a dermatologist, I often recommend scheduling a visit after summer, when sun exposure is lower and skin treatments may heal more effectively.
That said, if you have a concern, the best time to seek care is always now.
💧 Daily Skin Care Matters
Your skin is your body’s largest organ—and it’s remarkably resilient.
Support it by:
- Staying well hydrated (plain water is best).
- Eating nutrient-rich foods (especially fruits and vegetables).
- Check to see if there are any changes.
- Moisturizing regularly, especially in dry seasons like winter.
Remember: your body loses moisture even in colder months, so hydration is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Enjoy the sun. Your skin does a lot for you—protect it, nourish it, and take care of it year-round.
Happy spring and summer! ☀
