When we think of summer, a serene beach scene often comes to mind. Summer to us means sun and relaxation by the shore. Extended hours outside require extra attention to your daily skin routine. To maintain your even skin tone and avoid sun damage, dutifully apply sunscreen every day! It’s our mission, as your Knoxville Dermatology team, to inform you about the best and safest methods to prevent skin damage like sun spots or hyperpigmentation, no matter the season.

Sun damage occurs when your skin isn’t properly protected. For example, your skin is at great risk if you haven’t reapplied sunscreen in the appropriate amount of time, or you are exposed during the sun’s “peak” hours with very little protection. This damage alters your skin’s DNA structure over time. Also, your skin increases its melanin production as you build up a tolerance to the sun, causing patches of skin to darken at a different rate than the rest of your skin. This is known as hyperpigmentation.

Protection is a much easier preemptive strike against the sun than correction. Moisturize your face and neck with sunscreen every day. Staying hydrated also helps keep skin supple and glowing. If you know you will be spending a lot of time outdoors and in the sun, reapply sunscreen all over at least every two hours. Feel free to speak with one of our certified physicians about any splotches or changes in your skin.