As Chicago warms up and outdoor activities pick up, it’s the perfect time to talk about something that often gets overlooked in the sunshine: your skin. Whether you’re biking the Lakefront Trail, playing sports, or just soaking up some Vitamin D, knowing how to protect your skin from sun exposure is crucial to your long-term health.
In this post, you’ll find practical, dermatologist-recommended sun protection strategies, plus helpful guidance on how often you should get a skin cancer screening, what to expect during a skin check, and why early detection makes all the difference.
Why Skin Protection Should Be Part of Your Outdoor Routine
Your skin is your body’s largest organ—and your first line of defense. But it’s also vulnerable to damage, especially from cancer-causing UV radiation. The layer that plays a key role in this protection is the stratum corneum, the outermost skin barrier. While it helps block some harmful rays, it’s not enough on its own to prevent long-term damage or reduce your risk of skin cancer.
That’s why protecting your skin every time you step outside isn’t just optional, it’s essential.
How to Protect Skin from the Sun: 5 Simple, Effective Tips
1. Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily
Using sunscreen isn’t just for beach days—it should be part of your everyday routine, even if you’re only outside for a short time.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to ensure you’re protected from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Apply it generously to all exposed areas at least 15 minutes before going outdoors, and remember to reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Remember commonly overlooked spots like your ears, scalp (especially if you have thinning hair), tops of your feet, and the back of your hands.
Pro Tip: Keep sunscreen in your car, gym bag, or backpack so you’re never without it.
2. Choose Protective Clothing
While sunscreen is essential, protective clothing offers another layer of defense that doesn’t wear off over time. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats can significantly reduce the amount of UV radiation your skin absorbs.
For maximum protection, look for garments specifically labeled with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which indicates how effectively the fabric blocks UV rays. Lightweight, breathable fabrics with UPF make it easier to stay covered while keeping cool during outdoor activities.
3. Stay in the Shade During Peak Hours
The sun’s intensity peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., making this window the riskiest time for UV exposure. If possible, schedule outdoor plans in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize sun damage.
When you are outside during peak hours, seek shade under trees, umbrellas, canopies, or any available cover. Even shaded areas can dramatically reduce your UV exposure and help prevent sunburn, especially when combined with sunscreen and protective clothing.
4. Avoid Reflective Surfaces Like Water & Sand
Many people don’t realize that UV rays can reflect off surfaces like water, sand, concrete, and even snow, increasing their risk of sunburn. This means you’re still exposed to strong UV radiation, even in the shade, if you’re near reflective surroundings.
When spending time at the beach, pool, or on a boat, it’s important to reapply sunscreen more frequently and wear UPF-rated clothing and sunglasses. Consider using a physical barrier like a beach tent or sun shirt to reduce your exposure even further.
5. Be Consistent—Even on Cloudy Days
Don’t let overcast skies fool you—up to 80% of UV rays can still penetrate through clouds. Just because it’s cooler or less sunny doesn’t mean your skin is safe from sun damage.
Skipping sunscreen on cloudy or cooler days leaves your skin vulnerable to the cumulative effects of UV exposure. To truly protect your skin, make sunscreen and other sun protection measures part of your daily routine, no matter the forecast.
Why Skin Cancer Screenings Matter
Even with the best sun protection, it’s still possible for skin changes to develop over time. That’s why regular screenings are key to early detection and early treatment. So, how often should you get a skin cancer screening?
A full-body skin exam is recommended once a year for most adults. But if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, a large number of moles, or spend a lot of time in the sun, more frequent screenings may be needed. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist what’s best for you.
What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Check
A full-body screening with a board-certified dermatologist is the most effective way to catch potential issues early. Here’s what typically happens during the exam:
- Your dermatologist will examine your skin from head to toe, including areas that are hard to see on your own.
- They’ll look for irregular moles, new growths, or any changes in existing spots that could signal concern.
- If something suspicious is found, a quick and nearly painless biopsy may be performed to gather more information.
- Before you leave, you’ll receive guidance on the next steps—whether that’s monitoring a spot or discussing treatment options.
The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes and can provide peace of mind while playing a critical role in early detection.
Your Skin Deserves Expert Care
At Skin MD Chicago, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to ensure your skin gets the attention it deserves. Whether you’re scheduling your first screening or it’s been a while since your last visit, there’s no better time than Skin Cancer Awareness Month to prioritize your skin health.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Check Near Chicago, IL, Today
If you’re spending time outdoors this season, make sure you’re taking the right steps to protect your skin. And remember—prevention is powerful, but so is early detection.
Schedule your skin cancer screening at Skin MD today and get personalized advice from one of our board-certified dermatologists. With multiple locations across the Chicagoland area, expert care is never far away.
