SAVANNAH, Ga. () — As summer continues, more time outdoors means more exposure to the sun, but doctors say even short periods outside can lead to long-term skin damage if you’re not protected.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, the pool, or just spending time in the backyard, the sun is always working, even when it doesn’t feel intense. 

Dr. Toni McCullough, a dermatologist at Chatham Dermatology says “You’re getting 75% as much sun even when you’re in the shade. We have to think of the sun as this big ball of nuclear fire in the sky. It’s not just directly above us; it’s coming from all angles.” 

Dr. McCullough says sunburn isn’t the only concern. Repeated exposure without protection can lead to premature aging and even skin cancer.

“You can still get skin cancer even if you have darker skin, even though you are protected a little bit more. It’s inevitable in some depending on your family history.”

You’ve probably seen the UV Index in your weather app, but what does it really mean? It ranges from 0 to 11-plus. The higher the number, the stronger the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. An UV Index of 6 or above means you should be wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing even if you’re outside for just 15 to 20 minutes.

Dr. McCullough not only recommends sunscreen, but also recommends wearing something to cover up your skin if you will be outside.

“Sunscreen, unfortunately, is not as great as we would like it to be, so the most important thing that you can do is to wear clothing to cover as much of your body as you can”

The next time you head outside, make sun safety part of your routine. Just like buckling your seatbelt or wearing a helmet.