Summer Skincare SOS: What to Do When You Overdo the Sun
A Timely Guide from Summit Dermatology – Medford, OR
We’ve all been there: a beach day that ran too long, sunscreen that wore off, or a hike that left more than just memories—it left a burn. While enjoying Oregon’s sunny summer days, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly UV rays can damage skin. Even a mild sunburn or heat rash can lead to long-term consequences like premature aging, pigmentation, or an increased risk of skin cancer.
At Summit Dermatology in Medford, we see a surge in sun-related skin concerns every July—and we’re here to help you recover quickly and protect your skin going forward. Whether you’re dealing with lobster-red shoulders or subtle signs of UV overexposure, this guide is your go-to for relief, repair, and prevention.
Understanding Sun Damage: More Than Just a Burn
Sun damage doesn’t always show up immediately. While some people experience redness, peeling, and pain within hours, others may not notice the effects for days or even years. Here’s what unprotected sun exposure can lead to:
Acute issues: Redness, swelling, blistering, heat rash, dehydration, itching, and peeling
Long-term effects: Hyperpigmentation, melasma, fine lines, collagen breakdown, and increased skin cancer risk
Chronic exposure signs: Rough skin texture, sun spots (solar lentigos), and actinic keratoses
Understanding how to respond quickly can reduce discomfort and long-term consequences.
What to Do Immediately After a Sunburn
1. Cool It Down
Gently apply cold compresses or take a cool (not icy) shower to bring down skin temperature and reduce inflammation. Avoid soaps or exfoliants that can further irritate the skin.
2. Moisturize & Rehydrate
Use fragrance-free moisturizers with aloe vera, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid to help replenish lost moisture. Our favorite:
Hydrinity Renewing HA Serum – This ultra-lightweight serum deeply hydrates damaged skin and calms redness without clogging pores.
Drink plenty of water and consider electrolyte replacement if you’ve also been sweating in the heat.
3. Skip the Actives
Put away products containing retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide until your skin fully recovers. Using these can increase irritation and slow healing.
4. Add Soothing Antioxidants
Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals created by UV exposure. Try:
SkinBetter Alto Advanced Defense Serum – Packed with 19 powerful antioxidants to calm stressed skin and support repair. Use morning and night during your recovery phase.
Heat Rash: What It Is & How to Treat It
Also known as miliaria, heat rash occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping sweat under the skin. This creates tiny red bumps, stinging, and itching—usually in areas like the neck, back, chest, or underarms.
What helps:
Wear loose, breathable clothing
Avoid heavy creams or ointments that trap heat
Cool the area with compresses and let the skin dry thoroughly
Use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers like Hydrinity to support barrier recovery
Persistent or painful rashes should be evaluated by a provider to rule out contact dermatitis or fungal infection.
Long-Term Skin Repair After UV Exposure
Even after redness fades, UV damage can linger below the surface. If you’ve had a recent burn or repeated exposure, professional skin treatments can help undo the damage:
1. CoolPeel® Laser Resurfacing
This advanced CO2 treatment resurfaces damaged skin with minimal downtime. It fades sun spots, reduces fine lines, and encourages collagen renewal to restore smoothness and clarity.
2. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Great for targeting brown and red discoloration from chronic sun exposure. IPL breaks up pigment without harming surrounding tissue and is ideal for face, chest, and hands.
3. Morpheus8 RF Microneedling
For patients with deeper texture changes or visible signs of aging, RF microneedling stimulates collagen while tightening and smoothing the skin.
We’ll customize a plan based on your skin tone, condition, and summer lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if a sunburn is severe enough to see a doctor?
If you develop blisters, fever, chills, nausea, or dehydration, seek medical attention. For facial burns or burns covering a large surface area, schedule a professional skincare evaluation.
2. Can I wear makeup over sunburned skin?
It’s best to avoid makeup for at least 24–48 hours post-burn. When you do resume, use mineral-based, non-comedogenic products and continue a gentle skincare routine.
3. How long should I wait before using retinol after a sunburn?
Wait until your skin is fully healed—typically 5–7 days after redness and peeling subside. Resume gradually and use only every other night at first.
4. Can sunburn cause permanent damage?
Yes, especially with repeated exposure. Sunburns accelerate collagen loss, worsen pigmentation, and increase your risk for actinic keratoses and skin cancer.
5. What’s the best sunscreen to prevent future burns?
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. We recommend options from NOON Aesthetics or Hydrinity that are non-irritating and work well under makeup.
6. Should I still get a skin check if I’ve had sunburns in the past?
Absolutely. Even one blistering sunburn increases your lifetime risk of skin cancer. Annual skin checks with our dermatology team are essential for early detection.
Why Choose Summit Dermatology?
We know summer skin damage doesn’t just affect how you look—it affects your health and confidence. At Summit Dermatology, we take a whole-patient approach to prevention, recovery, and rejuvenation. Whether you're looking for medical care, targeted treatments, or long-term skincare planning, our team is here for you.
Over a decade of experience in dermatologic and aesthetic care
Safe, science-backed treatments for all skin types
Customized product plans using medical-grade lines like Hydrinity, SkinBetter, and NOON
Compassionate providers who take time to listen and educate
Don’t let sun damage steal your glow. Let’s rebuild your skin barrier and protect your long-term skin health—starting today.
Summit Dermatology & Aesthetics
🏢 Address: 1910 East Barnett Road, Suite 101, Medford, OR 97504
🕒 Clinic Hours: Monday – Thursday | 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
📞 Phone: 541-200-2022
📠 Fax: 541-200-2018
💬Let our team help you recover, protect, and glow all summer long.
