Hot Girl Summer Skin: Why SPF Is Non-Negotiable

At Skin Specialists, our team is passionate about educating our clients and customizing every treatment. This month, we’re diving into Hot Girl Summer with our best glowing skin yet.

We believe skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that education is just as important as exfoliation. That’s why this month, we’re teaming up to bring you expert advice straight from the treatment room. A few of our estheticians are sharing their specialties, giving you real talk, real science, and real solutions.

Here’s what we’re diving into:

• The Science of Skincare – Why your skin really behaves the way it does (spoiler: biology plays a huge role!).

• Breakout Correction & Prevention – From summer breakouts to long-term solutions, we’re breaking it all down.

• Treating and Preventing Discoloration – Tips and treatments to help even out your glow without irritation.

Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a seasoned serum-layering queen, there’s something here for you.

First up: The importance of sunscreen, with one of our licensed estheticians, Ashley Matthews. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and has worked in a pathology lab—she’s seen skin cancer at the cellular level!

Sunscreen Isn’t Optional — It’s Essential

Did You Know? Sunscreen is for everyday use by everyone in every season! collective gasp Skin cancer rates over the years have increased due to more awareness, more efficient skin cancer screenings, and more people getting sun exposure. As a former histotechnician in a dermatology lab, I have seen first hand under the microscope the kind of damage that unprotected sun exposure can have on the skin and how sneaky UV radiation can be. You would be surprised how a seemingly harmless spot can quickly turn into the need to have a deep excision. Even more surprising is just how simple the prevention of sun damage can be through education and sunscreen use. Now prepare to really clutch your pearls.

ALL skin tones need SPF. Yes, that includes deeper skin tones too. Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate by age, gender or even race. While the damage to darker-complected skin may not be externally visible, it shows up at the cellular level through the mutation of healthy cells which can lead to skin cancer. Often, skin cancer in darker skin tones is detected later, therefore outcomes can be worse. Sunburn can also occur in those with darker tones. It is encouraged that darker skin tones see a dermatologist regularly as well for routine body checks and wear sunscreen daily (argue with your mama, not this esthie, lol).

UVA and UVB rays from the sun are the driving force of sun damage in the skin. UVA ray exposure happens year round and penetrates deep into the skin, causing visible aging by the breakdown of vital collagen and elastin. UVB rays are stronger during the warmer months, causing sunburn and play a major role in the development of skin cancer. Cumulative exposure is the principle that even a few minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure adds up over time.

You may ask, then, how do I protect myself from sun damage while still enjoying the sun’s benefits? SPF, or sunscreen, shields the skin from the harmful effects of the sun in a couple of different ways. Physical SPF creates a barrier between skin cells and the sun through mineral ingredients (zinc oxide or titanium oxide) which reflect UV rays. Chemical SPF (avobenzone or octinoxate) penetrates the skin and functions by converting absorbed UV rays into heat which the body releases. Your sunscreen selection should be one that is broad spectrum to defend against UVA and UVB rays and be at least SPF 30. After initial application, it is important to reapply the SPF every 2 hours or sooner if swimming or sweating.

The reasons why people don’t wear SPF that I commonly encounter are easily overcome! If the complaint is that sunscreen feels too greasy, opt for a lightweight SPF such as a spray or powder formula. If the complaint is skin sensitivity or breakouts, opt for a physical sunscreen such as your mineral formulas that are non-comedogenic. If the complaint is that it is difficult to remember to apply, put your SPF in a clearly visible area next to your normal morning routine items and have travel sizes that go with you everywhere. If the complaint is that SPF leaves a white cast on the skin, opt for brands that cater to more skin tones, such as Skinbetter or Colorscience SPF products which blend physical protection with cosmetic elegance and inclusivity. To find a sunscreen that works for you, book a consultation with an esthetician for help with recommendations, SPF matching, a sample, or a patch test. Your skin in ten years will thank you for thesteps you took today to care for it, I promise you!

-Ashley Matthews,LE

Coming in hot for Part Two—our acne expert Josie Pfistner, LE, is spilling the tea on summer breakouts: how to prevent them, treat them, and keep your glow going strong.