More Than Skin Deep: Protecting Your Skin and Eyes in the Southern California Sun

Living in Southern California means enjoying sunshine nearly year-round. Whether you’re spending time at the beach, walking the dog, gardening, attending a sporting event, or simply running errands, your skin and eyes are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays every day.

Most people know that too much sun can lead to a painful sunburn. What many don’t realize is that long-term sun exposure can also contribute to premature skin aging, skin cancer, and damage to the eyes.

Fortunately, a few simple habits can help protect both your skin and your vision.

Your Skin Needs Protection Every Day:

Sun damage doesn’t just happen during summer vacations or long days at the beach. UV rays can affect your skin during everyday activities, even on cloudy days.

Primary care clinicians at VCC recommend:

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
Reapplying sunscreen every two hours when outdoors
Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
Seeking shade when possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to changes in your skin. If you notice a mole or spot that changes in size, shape, color, or appearance, schedule an appointment with your healthcare clinician for evaluation. VCC can also help you get a referral to a dermatologist in your area. Just call or text us at 844-308-5003.

Don’t Forget About Your Eyes:

Your eyes can be damaged by UV rays just like your skin.

Over time, excessive sun exposure may increase the risk of eye conditions such as cataracts and other vision problems. UV exposure can also cause short-term irritation, including redness, watering, and sensitivity to light.

One of the easiest ways to protect your eyes is by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Larger frames or wraparound styles provide additional protection by reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the eyes from the sides.

A wide-brimmed hat can also help reduce UV exposure and make outdoor activities more comfortable. And don’t forget that VCC also offers optometry services, you can call or text 844-308-5003 to make that appointment or find out more, and you can explore more about this service by clicking here.

Sun Safety for the Kiddos:

Many people receive a significant portion of their lifetime sun exposure during childhood. Helping children develop healthy sun habits early can provide lasting benefits.

Here are some helpful tips to remember for kids:

Apply sunscreen before outdoor activities
Encourage hats and sunglasses when possible
Plan outdoor play earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon during very hot days
Keep infants out of direct sunlight whenever possible

Protecting your skin and eyes doesn’t have to be complicated. A daily sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses, and a little extra shade can go a long way toward protecting your health.

At VCC, our medical and vision care teams encourage patients of all ages to make sun protection part of their daily routine. Small steps today can help protect your skin and vision for years to come.