Everything You Need to Know About Sunscreen and the Importance of Using it Year-Round

Many people think about sunscreen when they’re heading to the lake or hiking in the mountains. But here in Utah, sun protection is something we talk about with patients all year long.

At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics in Holladay, Utah, we care for patients throughout the Salt Lake City area who want to keep their skin healthy and looking its best. One of the simplest and most effective habits we recommend is wearing sunscreen every single day.

Sunscreen helps protect your skin from more than just sunburn — it also guards against premature aging and skin cancer. The key is consistency. Even small amounts of daily sun exposure add up over time, which is why making sunscreen part of your daily routine can make a big difference.

Why sunscreen matters in Utah’s climate

Utah’s beautiful outdoor lifestyle comes with a unique challenge for your skin. Because we live at a higher elevation, the atmosphere filters less ultraviolet radiation. That means the sun’s rays are stronger here than they are at lower elevations.

Even when the temperature drops or the sky’s cloudy, ultraviolet radiation is still reaching your skin. Snow can actually reflect UV rays and increase exposure during winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing.

That’s why we encourage our patients across the Salt Lake Valley to think of sunscreen the same way they think of brushing their teeth. It’s a simple daily habit that protects your health.

What sunscreen actually protects your skin from

Most people associate sunscreen with preventing sunburn, but the benefits go far beyond that.

Regular sunscreen use helps lower your risk of skin cancer by protecting your skin cells from harmful UV damage. It also helps prevent premature aging caused by years of sun exposure.

UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin in your skin, which eventually leads to wrinkles, sagging, uneven pigmentation, and sun spots. Many of the cosmetic concerns we treat begin with cumulative sun exposure.

Daily sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to prevent those changes before they start.

Choosing the right sunscreen

If you walk through a skincare aisle, the number of sunscreen options can feel overwhelming. When patients ask us what to look for, we usually suggest focusing on a few key features.

Before choosing a sunscreen, we recommend looking for products that offer:

• Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
• SPF 30 or higher
• A formula that works well with your skin type

SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays when applied properly. What matters most is applying enough and reapplying when you’re spending extended time outdoors.

If you spend time hiking, biking, or skiing in the mountains around Salt Lake City, sunscreen becomes even more important.

Supporting healthy skin with professional care

Sunscreen is the foundation of good skin care, but it’s only one part of maintaining healthy skin.

At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics, we offer a wide range of dermatology and aesthetic services designed to keep your skin healthy and address common concerns, such as acne, rosacea, melasma, and other skin conditions, as well as treatments that help improve the effects of sun damage.

Our services also include advanced treatments such as microneedling, laser procedures, and photodynamic therapy, which can help improve skin texture and address signs of aging.

These treatments work best when they’re paired with strong daily skincare habits, including consistent sun protection.

Medical-grade skincare products for daily protection

Your daily skincare routine can play a big role in protecting your skin from environmental stress.

At Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics, we offer medical-grade skincare products that complement the treatments we provide in the office. We select these products to support healthy skin, improve tone and texture, and protect the skin barrier.

Many patients find that combining professional treatments with the right at-home skincare routine helps them maintain healthier, brighter skin over time.

Make sunscreen part of your daily routine

In Utah, sunshine is one of the things we love most about living here. But protecting your skin from that sun is one of the best long-term investments you can make in your health.

If you have questions about sunscreen, sun damage, or the best skincare products for your skin type, we’d love to help. Schedule an appointment with Holladay Dermatology & Aesthetics in Holladay, Utah, and our team will help you build a skincare plan that keeps your skin protected and looking its best year-round.