Your Guide to Healthy Summer Skin in North Carolina
Summer in North Carolina is a beautiful season filled with sunny beach days, outdoor adventures, and family vacations. However, along with the warm weather and longer days, the summer months can also bring a variety of skin challenges. From sunburns to breakouts and rashes, it's important to take special care of your skin during this time of year.
Whether you're soaking up the sun at the Outer Banks or enjoying a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, keeping your skin healthy should be a priority. As a dermatology clinic serving patients across North Carolina, we’re here to help you navigate summer skin concerns with expert guidance and care.
Sun Protection Should Be Your First Step
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest during the summer months, and excessive exposure can damage your skin in ways both visible and invisible. While a tan may seem harmless, the truth is that any change in your skin color from the sun is a sign of damage.
To reduce your risk of sunburn, premature aging, and long-term health issues like skin cancer, start with sun protection every single day.
Here’s What We Recommend:
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it to all exposed areas of skin at least 15 minutes before heading outside.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective UPF clothing including long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
Stay in the shade when possible, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Don’t forget cloudy days. Up to 80 percent of UV rays can pass through clouds, so sunscreen is still a must.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
When selecting a sunscreen, look for formulas that are:
Labeled “broad-spectrum” to protect against both UVA and UVB rays
Water-resistant if you’ll be swimming or sweating
Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin
We carry dermatologist-approved sunscreens in our office, and we’re happy to provide samples to help you find one that works best for your skin type.
Summer Skincare Tips:
Lighten up your products. Switch from heavy creams to gel-based or oil-free moisturizers.
Exfoliate gently. Use a mild exfoliant once or twice a week to remove dead skin and prevent clogged pores.
Keep skin hydrated. Drink plenty of water and apply moisturizer right after showering.
Avoid over-washing. While it’s important to cleanse, too much washing can strip natural oils and cause irritation.
Use antioxidant serums. Products with vitamin C can help protect against environmental damage and brighten the skin.
Managing Common Summer Skin Conditions
Warm, humid weather can create the perfect conditions for certain skin issues to flare up. Here's a closer look at some common concerns and how to manage them:
Sunburn
Despite our best intentions, sunburns happen. If you find yourself red and tender after a day outdoors, treat your skin gently.
Apply a cool compress or take a lukewarm shower to reduce heat.
Use aloe vera gel or a moisturizer containing aloe to soothe the skin.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Avoid further sun exposure until the burn has completely healed.
Severe sunburns that blister or cause fever may require professional care. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you’re unsure how to treat a burn.
Heat Rash
Also known as prickly heat, this condition occurs when sweat becomes trapped under the skin, leading to itchy red bumps or small blisters.
Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to prevent sweat buildup.
Stay in cool, air-conditioned environments when possible.
Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching.
Avoid heavy moisturizers or oils that may clog pores.
Bug Bites and Rashes
Insect bites and allergic rashes from plants like poison ivy can cause discomfort during outdoor activities.
Use insect repellent when hiking or camping.
Wash skin and clothes after exposure to wooded areas.
Treat itching with over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream.
If a rash spreads quickly or becomes painful, schedule an appointment to rule out infection or allergic reaction.
Sun Safety Starts with Skin Cancer Awareness
While summer brings longer days and more time spent outdoors, it also increases your exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays — the leading cause of skin cancer. Whether you're lounging at the beach, working in the yard, or enjoying a hike, it's important to understand how everyday sun exposure adds up over time.
Unprotected UV exposure is the single biggest risk factor for developing skin cancer. Even one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly double your risk of melanoma later in life. Tanning, even without a burn, causes lasting DNA damage to skin cells that may lead to skin cancers in adulthood.
That’s why sun protection isn’t just about preventing a short-term burn or slowing premature aging. It’s about preventing skin cancer, and that starts with daily habits like applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when possible.
Make Skin Checks Part of Your Routine
Just like brushing your teeth or going to an annual physical, getting a yearly skin exam should be a part of your long-term health routine. Full-body skin checks allow dermatologists to detect early warning signs of skin cancer, including those that can go unnoticed in hard-to-see areas like your back, scalp, or behind the ears.
Know What to Watch For
The most common skin cancers include:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Often appears as a small, shiny bump or pink patch. It rarely spreads but can cause significant tissue damage if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): May show up as a crusty, red bump or scaly patch that doesn’t heal. It has a greater risk of spreading than BCC.
Melanoma: The most serious form of skin cancer. Melanomas often resemble irregular moles and can appear anywhere on the body. They can spread quickly, but are highly treatable when caught early.
If you notice any new, changing, or unusual spots on your skin — especially after a summer with a lot of sun exposure — don’t wait. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and we are here to help.
When to See a Dermatologist
Not every summer skin concern requires a trip to the doctor, but certain issues are best handled with professional care. Consider booking an appointment if you experience:
A suspicious mole or spot
Severe or recurring sunburns
Persistent acne that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter products
Rashes that spread, blister, or cause pain
Dry patches or flaky skin that won’t go away
We offer personalized consultations, prescription treatments, and annual full-body skin checks to help keep your skin healthy and glowing all year long.
Visit Us This Summer
At our dermatology clinic in North Carolina, we’re committed to helping you protect, treat, and love the skin you’re in. Whether you’re interested in summer skincare tips, worried about a new spot, or just want expert advice on the right sunscreen, we’re here to support you.
We invite you to schedule your annual skin exam or a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists. Let us help you make this summer a season of skin health and confidence.
Contact us today to book your appointment, and don’t forget to ask about our skincare samples during your visit!