Living on the Coast comes with a lot of beauty. It also comes with some of the country’s most intense skin stressors. Between the UV index, heat and humidity, our skin is working overtime every day.
The good news? A few smart, consistent habits can make a real difference.
Your skin is your largest organ. On the Gulf Coast, it faces UV radiation, heat and humidity every day. Protecting it is not vanity; it is health care. Here is what we tell our patients:
SUNSCREEN IS NON-NEGOTIABLE
We know you have heard it many times before, but we will keep saying it because it is the single most impactful thing you can do for your skin. On the Gulf Coast, UV exposure is significant year-round, not just in the summer months.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SUNSCREEN:
- Broad-spectrum protection (covers both UVA and UVB rays)
- SPF 30 at minimum, SPF 50 recommended for daily outdoor exposure
- Water-resistant formulas if you are spending time outside
- A texture you will enjoy wearing so you use it every day
Apply sunscreen every morning as the last step in your skincare routine; reapply every two hours if you are outdoors — yes, even on cloudy days. Up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds.
COVER UP SMARTLY
Sunscreen is your first line of defense, but physical barriers matter, too. The combination of both is far more effective than either alone.
- Wide-brim hats (at least 3 inches) guard your face, ears, and neck.
- UPF-rated clothing offers built-in sun protection that never wears off.
- Sunglasses with UV protection shield the delicate skin around your eyes.
- Seek shade from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
HUMIDITY: A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD
Gulf Coast humidity actually can help keep skin hydrated, but it also creates the perfect environment for clogged pores, breakouts and fungal issues. The key is hydrating without overloading your skin.
- Switch to lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers in warmer months.
- Cleanse your skin morning and night to remove sweat, oil and buildup.
- Do not skip moisturizer entirely. Air conditioning strips skin just as humidity builds it up.
- If you are prone to breakouts, look for oil-free and fragrance-free formulas.
HEAT AND YOUR SKIN
Heat accelerates many skin concerns, from redness and rosacea flares to hyperpigmentation. If you notice that heat triggers your skin to flush or break out or darkens existing spots, you are not imagining it.
- Cool your skin after outdoor activity. A gentle rinse with cool water reduces inflammation.
- Avoid heavy, occlusive products on very hot days, as these can trap heat in the skin.
- Antioxidant serums (like vitamin C) applied in the morning help neutralize free radical damage from heat and UV exposure.
- Niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient for managing redness and uneven skin tone in warm climates.
DON’T FORGET THESE OFTEN-MISSED SPOTS
We see sun damage every day in areas patients consistently miss with sun protection. Make these part of your routine.
- Ears and the back of the neck
- Tops of the feet and hands
- Lips (use an SPF lip balm daily)
- Chest and decolletage
- Scalp along the part line (powder SPF or a hat are your best options here)
SEE A DERMATOLOGY PROVIDER ANNUALLY
Living in a high-UV environment means an annual full-body skin check is not optional, but essential. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, and it is also one of the most treatable when caught early.
- Know your skin and report any new or changing spots to your provider.
- Annual skin checks are especially important for those with a history of sunburns, fair skin or a family history of skin cancer.
- Do not wait for something to look “bad.” Early detection saves lives and skin.
Ultimately, the best skincare routine is the one you stick to every day. Start with sunscreen, and build from there.