What’s in Your Bag? Smart Summer Skin Protection Starts Here
Whether you’re headed to the pool, packing up the lake cooler, or just chasing your kids around the splash pad, your summer bag says a lot about how you care for your skin. At Midwest Dermatology, we believe what you pack is just as important as what you leave behind.
Sunscreen isn’t just a seasonal accessory—it’s essential. And so is everything else you bring along to shield your skin from UV damage.
What should be in your summer skin bag?
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
- UPF clothing or a long-sleeved cover-up
- A reminder to reapply every two hours (yes, seriously)
- A lightweight moisturizer or hydrating mist to soothe after sun exposure
- An antioxidant serum (think vitamin C) under your SPF to support long-term skin health
And we’re happy to tell you that we’ve have so many of these tools right here at Midwest Dermatology. But the truth is, what’s in your bag is just the beginning.
Why It Matters: Your Skin’s Future Is at Stake
Let’s be honest—those designer sunglasses might look great, but they won’t protect you from sun damage. And no swimsuit, no matter how perfect, can save your skin from the long-term consequences of UV exposure.
Let’s start with your face.
It’s the most vulnerable, the most visible, and often the first place to show signs of sun damage. Think fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and that rough texture that doesn’t go away with exfoliation. UV rays break down collagen early and often—and it adds up fast.
And approximately 80% of skin cancers occur on the head and neck, with the face being the most common site. This is largely due to chronic sun exposure, as the face is typically the most exposed part of the body throughout a person’s life. Areas like the nose, ears, cheeks, lips, and forehead are particularly high-risk zones.
Next up: neck and hands.
They’re often forgotten, but they reveal more than you realize. Crepey skin, mottled tone, and that “weathered” look? Blame the sun.
And don’t forget arms and legs.
We all love the idea of sun-kissed skin, but in a few years, will you love how much older your limbs look than the rest of you?
Now here’s the serious part—skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma. And the big one: malignant melanoma. These are not just cosmetic issues—they’re medical urgencies. While most are treatable when caught early, melanoma can be deadly if it’s missed. And the numbers are rising, even in younger patients.
That’s Where We Come In
At Midwest Dermatology, we don’t just help you prevent sun damage—we help you monitor your skin to catch problems early. Whether you’re in your 20s and just starting to think about skin health, or you’ve already had some sun history, now is the right time to establish care.
We recommend full-body skin checks based on your age, skin type, and risk factors:
- Every other year for lower-risk patients
- Annually for most
- Every six months for those with higher risk or a history of skin cancer
We’ll help you find the right schedule—and stick to it.
And when it comes to melanoma detection, we’re one step ahead. Our providers use FotoFinder, an advanced imaging system that captures detailed, full-body photos and uses AI-supported analysis to track even the smallest changes over time. It’s one of the most powerful tools available for catching melanoma early—when it’s easiest to treat.
Protect Today, Prevent Tomorrow
So… what’s in your bag?
If it doesn’t include dermatologist-approved sun care, we can fix that.
If it doesn’t include a plan for skin checks, we can help you start.
If you’re overdue—or just not sure—we’re here.
Call Midwest Dermatology to schedule your skin check. In Omaha, call (402) 933-0800. In Norfolk, call (402) 371-3564. You can also request an appointment or shop for sunscreen online at midwestderm.com.
Smart skin care starts now—because summer may be short, but sun damage isn’t.
