Let’s be honest—most of us love a little sunshine. Whether it’s lounging by the pool, gardening on the weekend, or just enjoying a walk outside, the sun has a way of lifting our mood. But while we’re soaking in the warmth, our skin might be soaking up a little more than we bargained for.
So how do you know if all that fun in the sun has left its mark?
First: What Is Sun Damage?
Sun damage, also known as photoaging, occurs when your skin is exposed to excessive UV (ultraviolet) radiation. Unlike a regular aging process, sun damage accelerates the aging process—and it doesn’t always show right away. That golden tan might seem like a glow-up, but underneath the surface, your skin could be yelling for help.
What are the common signs of sun damage?
Here’s a quick rundown of what sun damage can look like:
- Fine lines and wrinkles that seem to show up faster than expected
- Dark spots or patches (a.k.a. sun spots or liver spots)
- Red, rough, or scaly patches that don’t go away (these could be actinic keratoses—a possible precancer)
- Uneven skin tone or texture
- Broken capillaries or tiny visible blood vessels
- Dry, leathery skin that just doesn’t bounce back like it used to
- Moles or spots that change shape, color, or size
Notice a few of these? Don’t panic—but don’t ignore them either.
Let’s Talk About Skin Cancer (Just for a Second)
We won’t get too deep here, but it’s essential to know that sun damage is the #1 cause of skin cancer. Most types—such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and even melanoma—start small and can be sneaky. Often, they appear to be just another spot or scab that won’t heal. The good news? When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.
And that brings us to…
The Magic of a Regular Skin Check
Think of a skin check like a wellness checkup—but for your skin. It’s quick, painless, and one of the easiest ways to catch problems early (or get peace of mind).
During a skin exam, a dermatologist will:
- Take a close look at your skin from head to toe
- Check any moles, spots, or patches that look suspicious
- Answer any questions you have about your skin’s health
And that’s it. No needles. No prep. No stress.
You don’t need to have a visible problem to schedule a skin check—in fact, that’s the best time to come in. We recommend at least one full-body exam per year, or more often if you’ve had a lot of sun exposure or a history of skin cancer.
Bottom Line
If you’ve spent time in the sun (and who hasn’t?), there’s a good chance your skin has some degree of sun damage. But it’s not all doom and gloom—there are plenty of treatments that can help restore and protect your skin. Even more important? Staying ahead of any serious issues with a regular skin check.
Your skin has been with you through every sunny vacation, every backyard BBQ, every summer afternoon. It’s time to give it a little love in return.
At Landmark Dermatology, our dermatologists are not only experts in recognizing the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of sun damage—they’re also experienced in spotting potential skin cancers early, when treatment is most effective. Whether you’re noticing changes or just want peace of mind, our team is here to help you protect your skin for the long run.
Book your skin check today with the trusted providers at Landmark Dermatology.
Healthy skin starts with expert care—and we’re proud to be your partner in both.
