Summer Sun Safety: How to Protect Your Skin

Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine—but too much sun exposure can be harmful. Without protection, ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to sunburn, skin damage, and greatly increase your risk of skin cancer. That’s why taking simple steps to protect your skin matters—no matter your age or skin tone.

What Is a Sunburn?

Sunburns can happen even on cloudy days or when you’re sitting near a window. UV rays are strong enough to reach your skin through glass and clouds.

Sunburns affect people of all skin tones. Symptoms may include:

Redness or darkening of the skin
Swelling or blisters (depending on severity)
Pain or tenderness
Itching or peeling skin in the days that follow
Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms in more severe cases

Most sunburns are first-degree (red, painful skin) or second-degree (blistering), and they typically heal at home with care. Rarely, sunburns can become third-degree, which require immediate medical attention. If your sunburn doesn’t improve or you experience severe symptoms, contact your doctor or medical provider.

Tips for Protecting Your Skin from the Sun

There are many simple and effective ways to protect your skin and reduce your risk of sunburn:

Use Sunscreen

Everyone over six months old should use sunscreen. According to the American Cancer Society:

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure.
Use about one ounce (a palmful) to cover your entire body.
Reapply every two hours—or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Don’t forget your ears, neck, hands, feet, and scalp.
Make sure your sunscreen hasn’t expired—most last about three years.

For infants under six months old, dress them in protective clothing and keep them out of direct sunlight.

Limit your Time in The Sun

According to the CDC, the UV rays of the sun are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s important to limit your time in the sun during these hours and ensure you are getting plenty of shade whether you are inside or outside.

Wear Protective Clothing

Cover up with:

Wide-brimmed hats
UV-blocking sunglasses

Loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing that covers your arms and legs

How to Treat a Sunburn

If you get a sunburn, you can relive the pain with the following tips, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association:

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Avoiding the sun and stay indoors while you heal.
Take cooling baths or apply a cold, wet cloth to your skin.
Wear loose, soft clothing that won’t rub or irritate your skin.
Use fragrance free moisturizers, or lotions, especially those with aloe vera.
Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, or aspirin if needed.

When to Get Help

If your sunburn is severe, doesn’t get better, or you experience symptoms like blisters, fever, or chills, seek care from your doctor. A trained provider at Pillars Community Health can help evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment.

Enjoy the sunshine—but don’t forget to protect your skin. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 708-PILLARS or visit PillarsCommunityHealth.org.