Sun Protection 101
As a dermatologist — and as a mom who spends plenty of weekends at tennis courts and neighborhood parks — I talk about sun safety a lot. But I also live it. Whether I’m walking our dog, running errands in Decatur, or watching my kids play sports, I’m always thinking about how to protect my skin and theirs.
Here’s the truth: we can enjoy the sunshine and be smart about it. In fact, we have to be.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. — and the most preventable. One in five Americans will develop it at some point in their lives. But just a few daily habits can go a long way in protecting yourself and your family.
Look for the Shade (Even If You're Just Out for a Bit)
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If I’m out during those hours, I always try to find shade — even if it means walking on the shadier side of the street or dragging an umbrella across a field.
Quick tip: if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is at its strongest.
Dress for the Sun Like You’d Dress for the Weather
Think of your clothes as built-in sunscreen. When I know I’ll be outside for more than a few minutes, I go for:
Light, breathable long sleeves
A wide-brimmed hat (yes, even if it flattens my hair a little)
Sunglasses with UV protection
For sports days, I keep UPF-rated shirts in the car. They’re great for long days in the sun, and they actually stay cool to the touch.
Sunscreen: Every Day, Not Just Beach Days
If there’s one thing I’d love everyone to take away from this — it’s that sunscreen isn’t just for vacations.
I apply SPF 30+ every morning, even if I’m not planning to be outside for long. For my face, I use a tinted sunscreen with iron oxide, which adds protection against visible light (a big deal if you're prone to dark spots or melasma). And yes, my kids grumble about sunscreen — but we do it anyway.
Just remember:
Reapply every 2 hours
Always reapply after swimming or sweating
Look for “broad-spectrum,” “SPF 30+,” and “water resistant” on the label
Why It’s Worth It
Preventing sunburns is important — but sun protection is about so much more than that. It helps:
Prevent premature aging and sunspots
Reduce the risk of skin cancer
Protect sensitive conditions like rosacea or melasma
Keep your skin tone more even over time
The best part? Once you build sun protection into your daily rhythm, it stops feeling like a chore — and just becomes part of how you care for yourself.
If you’re not sure which sunscreen is best for your skin tone or type, or you’re dealing with stubborn pigmentation or sensitivity, I’d be happy to help you sort through the options.
Let’s keep your skin safe, healthy, and glowing — all year long.
– Dr. Kelli Baender
Board-Certified Dermatologist & Founder Decatur Dermatology & Aesthetics