As we transition into spring, it’s important to protect your skin while spending time outside enjoying the beautiful weather. From regularly checking your skin for abnormalities and taking the proper precautions for spending time outdoors to perfecting your skincare routine for ultimate hydration, our team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is here to help you. We’ve curated an easy guide with tips and useful information so you can focus on making the most of your spring. 

Monthly Skin Checks 

One of the most important ways to ensure the health of your skin is to implement a monthly self-check for any changes in skin appearance. This includes changes in existing moles or the addition of new moles, patches, or lesions. If you spot anything abnormal, it’s best to make an appointment and let our team of board-certified dermatologists or PAs to have a look. Regular monitoring is highly useful in detecting early skin cancer, especially as you spend more time under the sun’s rays. 

Take a look at a few of our easy tips to follow that can be essential in protecting your skin this spring! These practices not only will help prevent skin cancer but will also ensure the future health of your skin. 

Tips for Sun Protection

1. Use sunscreen with an SPF 40 or higher when outdoors and reapply according to the directions. The rule is usually to reapply every 2 hours or immediately after you go swimming. You also want to choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection to block UVA and UVB rays. If you plan to spend a long period of time outside, choose an SPF 50+ sunscreen for more protection. They even make chapstick with SPF. 
2. Choose a wide-brimmed hat when spending time outdoors, whether you plan to garden, go for a walk, or engage in any other activity. This type of hat will help protect your face, neck, and ears from harsh UVA and UVB rays in conjunction with your sunscreen.  
3. Wear sunglasses with UV protection (often labeled as UV400) to protect your eyes and the surrounding skin when going outdoors. Even on a cloudy day, UVA and UVB rays are present, so it’s best to always have a pair of sunglasses with you. 
4. Protect your skin during peak hours of the day (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) by wearing dark clothing with minimal holes. If you plan on being outside for a long period of time, wearing UPF specialty-made clothing is a great way to further protect your skin. This type of clothing is designed to block harmful UV rays and is available in a variety of styles for both men and women. 

Refresh Your Skincare Routine for Spring 

Along with protecting your skin, now is the perfect time to start focusing on your skincare routine so you can look and feel your best this summer. Often, the transition from winter to spring can cause issues with skin hydration, leaving your complexion red with dry patches. We offer a wide selection of dermatologist-approved products that will help repair your skin barrier and protect your skin. Stop by our office today so we can help build your ultimate skincare routine from scratch! 

Use this transition into spring to focus on your skin health so you can be set for summer! From implementing a few of our tips on skin protection to crafting a routine that will let you achieve your skincare goals, there are plenty of ways to take care of your body’s largest organ – your skin!