Summer Skin Care Tips to Prevent Sunburn & Skin Cancer

Summers in Alabama mean sunny days filled with cookouts, beach trips, and time outdoors. With longer days and stronger sun, it’s easy to forget how fast your skin can burn. A little sun feels good, but too much can cause painful burns and long-term damage.

Protecting your skin during summer isn’t just about comfort. It’s one of the best ways to lower your risk of skin cancer. At Crimson Care in Tuscaloosa, we want to help you stay safe, spot problems early, and enjoy the season safely. Let’s take a look at essential sun safety tips, warning signs to watch for, and what you can do to keep your skin protected all summer long.

Why Protecting Your Skin Matters

Sun exposure can damage your skin over time. The sun releases ultraviolet (UV) rays that harm your skin’s cells, even if you don’t burn easily. This damage can build up and eventually lead to skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States.

Two types of UV rays can harm you:

• UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause early aging, like wrinkles and sun spots

  
  

• UVB rays cause sunburn and are closely linked to skin cancer

  
  

Both types can damage your skin, so protecting yourself every day is important, especially during summer when UV levels are highest.

How to Spot a Sunburn Early

Sunburn appears within hours of sun exposure. It usually starts with redness, warmth, and tenderness. Severe burns may cause swelling, blisters, or peeling skin over the next few days.

If you get sunburned, try these steps:

• Take cool showers or baths,

• Apply aloe vera or fragrance-free lotion to soothe skin,

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated,

• Avoid the sun until your skin heals,

• Use over-the-counter pain relief if needed.

  
  

Seek medical help right away if you have widespread burns or symptoms like fever, chills, or dizziness.

How to Prevent Sunburn This Summer

Avoiding sunburn is the best way to protect your skin. A few simple habits can make a big difference:

• Use sunscreen every day: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

• Wear protective clothing: Lightweight long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses help shield your skin.

• Stay in the shade during peak hours: The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

• Avoid tanning beds: They emit UV rays and increase skin cancer risk.

• Drink water regularly: Staying hydrated helps your skin stay healthy.

Keep an Eye on Your Skin

Skin cancer often appears in areas that get the most sun. These include the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. Checking your skin regularly helps catch changes early, making treatment easier.

Schedule a visit if you notice:

• New moles or growths,

• Changes in size, color, or shape of existing moles,

• Sores that don’t heal,

• Itching, bleeding, or tenderness on your skin.

  
  

Even if your skin looks normal, getting an annual skin check is a good idea, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors or have a history of sunburn.

Why July Is a Good Time to Act

July is UV Safety Month, which reminds everyone to protect their skin and review sun safety habits. Use this time to:

• Restock your sunscreen supply,

• Replace expired products,

• Talk with your family about sun protection,

• Schedule a skin screening if it’s been over a year since your last one.

  
  

Spending time outside is one of the best parts of summer. You don’t need to avoid the sun; just take smart steps to protect your skin.

Visit Crimson Care in Tuscaloosa for Summer Skin Health

At Crimson Care, we want you to enjoy summer while keeping your skin safe. Our team provides expert sunburn care, skin checks, and advice to help lower your risk of skin cancer.

If you have a sunburn that won’t heal or notice changes in your skin, don’t wait. Contact us for personalized care and peace of mind.

Protect your skin, stay cool, and enjoy everything summer has to offer with support from your local healthcare providers at Crimson Care.

Need Help with Sunburn or Skin Concerns? Visit Crimson Care

Summer sun in Alabama can be intense, but your skin doesn’t have to suffer. At Crimson Care in Tuscaloosa, our providers are here to help you prevent and treat sunburn, check for signs of skin damage, and answer questions about your long-term skin health. 

When you need relief from a painful burn or want guidance on UV protection, we’re here to help. Visit Crimson Care today for fast, expert care you can trust all summer long.