Summer in North Carolina means lake days, pool days, outdoor dinners, vacations, and plenty of sunshine. While most people know sunscreen is an important part of protecting their skin, many don’t realize that true sun protection goes beyond just applying SPF in the morning.
At CLARA Dermatology, we believe in taking a comprehensive approach to skin health — and that includes creating daily habits that help protect your skin from UV damage all year long.
So how do you truly “sun-proof” your lifestyle? Let’s talk about the biggest ways you can protect your skin this summer.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for an NC Summer
Not all sunscreens are created equal, and choosing the right formula depends on your lifestyle. If you’re spending the day outdoors — especially at places like Jordan Lake, the beach, or a pool — you want a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UVA rays (which contribute to premature aging) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn).
Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen: Which One Is Better?
Physical sunscreens (also called mineral sunscreens) use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to sit on top of the skin and help reflect UV rays.
They are often a great option for:
- Sensitive skin
- Reactive skin
- Post-procedure skin
- Those who prefer a more gentle formula
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat before they can damage the skin. They are often lightweight, blend easily, and are popular for daily wear.
So which one is better for a boat day at Jordan Lake?
The best sunscreen is the one you will actually apply — and reapply. For extended outdoor activities, we recommend choosing a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen and applying generously every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
UPF Clothing: Your Sunscreen’s Best Friend
A common misconception is that any clothing provides complete sun protection. While clothing does provide some barrier from UV rays, a regular white cotton T-shirt is not the same as UPF-rated clothing.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing is specifically designed to block UV radiation. This can be especially helpful for long days outdoors when reapplying sunscreen to large areas of the body may be difficult.
Great UPF options include:
- Long-sleeve sun shirts
- Wide-brim hats
- UPF swimwear
- Sunglasses with UV protection
Popular brands our patients love include:
- Coolibar
- Bluesmiths
- Patagonia
- Solbari
- Athleta UPF collections
Think of UPF clothing as your first layer of defense, especially for areas that are often missed like the shoulders, chest, hands, and ears.
Antioxidants: Your Skin’s Second Line of Defense
Sunscreen is essential, but your skin can benefit from additional support. Antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals created by environmental stressors, including UV exposure. One of the most well-known antioxidants in skincare is Vitamin C.
Vitamin C helps:
- Support collagen production
- Brighten uneven skin tone
- Improve the appearance of sun-related discoloration
- Provide antioxidant protection against environmental damage
At CLARA, we often recommend incorporating antioxidant-rich skincare into your morning routine alongside your SPF for an extra layer of protection.
You can also take antioxidant supplements by mouth that are specially formulated to protect the skin from sunburn. We recommend Inner Glow's Sol Defense gummies, which contain an antioxidant derived from a fern called Polypodium Leucotomos. This supplement acts as photoprotection from the inside, helping to support your skin's resistance to UV damage and sun burns. It does not replace your SPF, but is a great addition for sunny days spent outdoors.
Sun Protection Starts Before You Step Outside
A truly “sun-proof” lifestyle is about combining multiple habits:
✔ Apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily
✔ Reapply when outdoors
✔ Wear protective clothing and hats
✔ Use antioxidant skincare
✔ Seek shade when possible
✔ Schedule regular skin checks with your dermatologist
Healthy skin is built through consistency — not just one day at the pool. At CLARA Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists are here to help you create a personalized skincare routine that fits your lifestyle, skin goals, and concerns.
Looking for SPF recommendations? Shop our favorite dermatologist-approved sun protection options, including Sun Shield and Supergoop, through our online store.
Enjoy your summer — and don’t forget your sunscreen! ☀️
CLARA Dermatology
Good skin starts here.
