As winter fades and spring arrives, many of us begin spending more time outside. The days grow longer, the weather feels warmer, and sunshine becomes part of our daily routines again. But while spring temperatures may still feel mild, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are already becoming stronger.

At Ohara Dermatology, we often see patients underestimate sun exposure during the early months of the year. Many people only think about sunscreen during the summer, but UV damage begins accumulating long before the hottest months arrive.

Developing strong spring sun protection habits now can help prevent premature aging, hyperpigmentation, sunburn, and even skin cancer later on.

Why Spring Sun Exposure Is Often Overlooked

Most people associate sun damage with hot summer days at the beach. However, UV radiation is present year-round, even when it’s cloudy or cool outside.

In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, meaning your skin may still be exposed even on overcast days.

During spring, the sun rises higher in the sky and daylight hours increase. This naturally leads to more time outdoors during everyday activities like:

Walking the dog
Outdoor workouts
Weekend hikes
Gardening
Driving during daylight hours

Even small daily exposures can accumulate over time and contribute to long-term skin damage.

How Sun Damage Affects Your Skin

Ultraviolet radiation can affect the skin both immediately and over time.

Short-Term Effects:

Sunburn
Skin irritation
Flare-ups of rosacea
Darkening of hyperpigmentation or melasma

Long-Term Effects:

Fine lines and wrinkles (photoaging)
Sun spots and uneven pigmentation
Loss of skin elasticity
Increased risk of skin cancer

Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable when proper sun protection habits are followed.

Taking small steps to protect your skin now can significantly reduce long-term damage.

How to Protect Your Skin from UV Damage

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, protecting your skin from UV radiation involves combining several strategies, including sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing.

Wear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Every Day

One of the most effective ways to protect your skin is by applying sunscreen daily.

Dermatologists recommend choosing a sunscreen that is:

Broad-spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
SPF 30 or higher
Water-resistant if you plan to be outdoors

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging and wrinkles, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn.

For best protection, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, especially if swimming or sweating.

Seek Shade During Peak Sun Hours

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV radiation reaches its highest intensity.

Whenever possible:

Sit under umbrellas or trees
Take breaks in shaded areas
Plan outdoor activities earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon

These simple adjustments can significantly reduce UV exposure.

Wear Sun-Protective Clothing

Clothing can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to shield your skin from UV rays.

Recommended protective clothing includes:

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
Pants or longer skirts
Wide-brimmed hats
Sunglasses with UV protection

Clothing labeled with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) provides additional protection by blocking UV radiation from reaching the skin.

Don’t Forget Commonly Missed Areas

Many people forget to apply sunscreen to areas that receive frequent sun exposure.

Commonly missed spots include:

Ears
Neck
Chest
Hands
Lips
Back of the legs

These areas are often where dermatologists detect early signs of sun damage.

Keeping Your Baby Safe in the Sun

Sun protection is especially important for babies because infant skin is much more sensitive to UV radiation.

For babies younger than six months, the safest approach is to keep them out of direct sunlight whenever possible.

Parents can help protect infants by:

Keeping them in shaded areas
Using stroller canopies or umbrellas
Dressing them in lightweight long sleeves and pants
Using wide-brimmed hats

If shade and protective clothing are not available, a small amount of sunscreen may be applied to limited exposed areas such as the face or back of the hands.

For babies older than six months, sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher can be used regularly, especially mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which tend to be gentler on sensitive skin.

Establishing sun-safe habits early helps protect a child’s skin long-term.

Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Start Daily Sun Protection

Many people wait until summer to think about sunscreen, but starting in spring can help prevent unnecessary UV damage before the hottest months arrive. As the days grow longer and the sun becomes stronger, spring is the perfect time to recommit to protecting your skin.

Beginning early can help:

Prevent seasonal hyperpigmentation and melasma flare-ups
Reduce the risk of early sunburn
Build a consistent daily sunscreen routine before summer activities increase

Simple habits like applying sunscreen every morning, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing can help protect your skin from premature aging, pigmentation, and skin cancer. Daily sun protection is one of the most effective ways to maintain long-term skin health.

If you have concerns about sun damage, hyperpigmentation, or choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type, the team at Ohara Dermatology is here to help.

Schedule A Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning your skin can still be exposed to damaging radiation even on overcast days.
Dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for everyday protection.
Sunscreen works best when combined with other protective strategies such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.

Spring Is Here: Why Your Skin Needs Daily Sun Protection