Sun Smart, Skin Strong: Your Guide to Summer Skin Health
- Saryna Young, MD, FAAD
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
July is UV Safety Month, a reminder that protecting your skin is more than a trend, it is a long-term investment in your health.
Let’s start with one of the most important tools you can use this summer: the UV index. You will see it on weather apps, often overlooked, but incredibly valuable. This number tells you how intense the sun’s ultraviolet rays are in your area on a given day.
A UV index of 3 or higher? That is your signal to take protective steps.
The higher the number, the greater your risk of skin damage, even on cloudy days.
Sunscreen is one tool in the toolbox, but not the only one.
We always recommend mineral-based sunscreens, especially those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These create a physical barrier that reflects UV rays rather than absorbing them. Office favorites include EltaMD and Colorescience sticks and brushes. They are gentle, effective, and easy to reapply, even over makeup.
But here is what people often forget: ☀ Sun protection is about the full picture. That means:
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat
Seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Wearing UPF-rated clothing
And even taking oral antioxidant support like Heliocare, a supplement made from fern extract that helps neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure
Myths we hear way too often:
“I have darker skin, I don’t need sunscreen.”
“If I’m just running errands, I don’t need to worry.”
“A little sun helps my skin clear up.”Reality check: UV rays damage all skin tones, and cumulative exposure is the leading preventable cause of skin cancer.
Treatments that work with the season:
Salt Facial: Deep cleans and brightens without irritating hot, sun-exposed skin
Alma TED: Hair and scalp treatment with zero sun sensitivity
Sofwave: Builds collagen safely, no downtime, no sun restrictions
The takeaway: Check the UV index. Know when the sun is strongest. Layer your protection. Sunscreen, shade, hats, and even smart supplements like Heliocare all play a role. Summer skin care is not about doing more, it is about doing what
works for the season.
Need help customizing your regimen or choosing products? Book a visit or stop by, we have your summer skin covered.
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