Your Summer Skin Survival Guide

Summer in the desert Southwest means long days, intense ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and a sun that doesn’t ease up even when you’re just running errands. 

For patients at Vivida Dermatology’s Las Vegas, Henderson, and St. George locations, the transition from spring to summer is a good time to take stock of your skin protection habits — and May, which is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, is the ideal moment to do it.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and the majority of cases are directly linked to UV exposure. It’s also one of the most preventable. A few consistent habits go a long way.

Sunscreen is only part of the equation

Most people know they should wear sunscreen, but fewer people wear it correctly. Dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher to all exposed skin at least 15-20 minutes before heading outside. It takes about one ounce to cover an average body, and most people use far less than that.

Reapplication matters just as much as the initial layer. Sunscreen breaks down with UV exposure and wears off with sweat, water, and contact with clothing or towels. Reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors, and more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating heavily.

A few spots people consistently miss include:

• Ears and the back of the neck
• Tops of the feet
• Along part lines or thinning areas on the scalp
• Lips (use an SPF lip balm)

Don’t forget that water-resistant sunscreens still need reapplication, as they’re formulated to maintain SPF for 40 or 80 minutes in water.

Clothing and shade come first

Sunscreen handles what clothing and shade can’t cover, but those should still be your first line of defense. 

Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)-rated clothing blocks UV rays more reliably than standard fabric, and a wide-brimmed hat protects the face, ears, and neck in a way no amount of sunscreen application can replicate.

Seek shade during peak UV hours — generally between 10am. and 4pm — when the sun’s angle makes radiation most intense. UV rays also reflect off water, sand, and concrete, which means you can burn even when you’re not in direct sunlight.

Skin cancer checks belong on your summer calendar

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a good reminder to schedule a full-body skin exam if you haven’t had one recently. Early detection is the single biggest factor in skin cancer outcomes — caught early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is around 99%. Caught after it spreads, that number drops sharply.

Annual skin exams help establish a baseline for your moles and spots, making changes easier to catch over time. In between appointments, use the ABCDE method to monitor anything that looks new or different:

• Asymmetry (one half doesn’t match the other)
• Border (irregular, jagged, or blurred edges)
• Color (multiple shades or colors within a single mole)
• Diameter (larger than a pencil eraser)
• Evolving (any change in size, shape, color, or texture)

If something looks different or you're overdue for a skin check, our board-certified dermatologists at Vivida Dermatology are ready to help. Call our offices in Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada, or St. George, Utah, or book an appointment online.