How to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage in Spring

As the seasons change, so do environmental factors that affect your skin.

Spring often brings increased sun exposure, longer days, and more time spent outdoors, making it an important time to adjust your skincare routine and protection habits.

Why Spring Sun Exposure Matters

After months of lower sun exposure, the skin may be more sensitive to UV damage.

Even mild, early-season exposure can contribute to:

• Sun spots

• Redness

• Uneven skin tone

• Gradual loss of skin clarity

Because this damage accumulates over time, it often goes unnoticed until it becomes more visible later in the year.

Taking preventative steps early in the season can help maintain your skin’s clarity and reduce long-term damage.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin

A few consistent habits can make a significant difference:

• Daily sunscreen application (SPF 30 or higher)

• Wearing protective clothing, such as hats or sunglasses when outdoors

• Avoiding peak sun hours when possible

• Reapplying sunscreen during prolonged exposure

These small, consistent adjustments help reduce cumulative sun damage and preserve your skin’s overall tone and texture.

When to Consider Treatment

If you’re noticing:

• Increased pigmentation

• Redness or visible capillaries

• Dull or uneven skin

Treatments such as IPL can help restore a more even and balanced complexion by targeting both pigment and redness.

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.

A Final Note

Spring is an ideal time to both protect and refresh your skin.

A thoughtful approach now—combining daily protection with targeted treatments when needed—can help prevent more noticeable concerns later in the year.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need sunscreen if it’s cloudy?

  Yes. UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning your skin can still be exposed to damaging radiation even on overcast days.

• What SPF should I use?

  Dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for everyday protection.

• Is sunscreen enough by itself?

  Sunscreen works best when combined with other protective strategies such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.