There’s a certain kind of summer memory that feels golden in every sense of the word. Long afternoons at the lake. Hours stretched out poolside. The smell of coconut suntan oil — and something that, looking back, was definitely baby oil. For many of us who grew up in the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, a deep tan wasn’t just a side effect of summer. It was the goal. Foil reflectors, tanning beds, and a complete absence of SPF were simply part of the seasonal ritual.
We didn’t know then what we know now.
And even today, plenty of people will tell you without hesitation that they don’t bother with sunscreen early in the season — they want that first burn so it can “turn into a tan.” It’s practically a summer tradition. What most people don’t realize is that the burn is the damage. By the time your skin starts to color, the harm is already done.
Decades later, that sun-soaked history is written into our skin. And it’s not too late to do something about it.
The Long Game Your Skin Has Been Playing
Sun damage isn’t always visible right away. That’s what makes it so sneaky. Ultraviolet rays penetrate deep into the skin’s layers, damaging DNA in ways that can take years — even decades — to surface. What shows up as a freckle at 30 may become something that warrants a closer look at 55. Sunspots, rough patches, changes in texture, unusual moles — these are the stories your skin has been quietly collecting since childhood.
For many patients, the first real reckoning with sun damage comes not from pain or discomfort, but from a routine skin check that reveals just how much history is hiding in plain sight.
What We See Every Day
At Gunn Dermatology, it’s common to see patients who grew up during a time when tanning was simply a way of life. They spent summers by the pool, at the lake, or on the beach with little concern about sun protection — because they simply didn’t know then what we know now.
The good news is that it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin. A yearly skin check helps identify sun damage, detect skin cancer early, and create a personalized plan to keep your skin healthy for years to come.
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and the majority of cases are directly linked to UV exposure. The encouraging truth, however, is that when caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable. That’s what makes the annual skin check such a powerful tool — it’s not about fear. It’s about knowledge, and getting ahead of problems before they become serious ones.
What Happens During a Skin Check?
A skin check with Dr. Gunn, Dr. Libecco, Dr. Albert, or Physician Assistant Ellen is a thorough, head-to-toe examination designed to catch anything that looks unusual. During your appointment, your provider will examine moles, spots, and lesions across your entire body — noting any changes in size, shape, color, or texture that could signal concern. If something needs further attention, it can often be addressed right then and there.
Beyond cancer screening, a skin check is also an opportunity to talk about the cumulative effects of sun damage: the fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and textural changes that accumulate over years of unprotected exposure. Dr. Gunn and her team can work with you to develop a personalized skincare plan — one that protects what you have and helps address what time and sunshine have left behind.
It’s Never Too Late to Start
Whether you’re 25 or 75, whether your sun protection habits have been spotless or nonexistent, a skin check is one of the most proactive things you can do for your long-term health this summer. Your skin has been keeping score for decades. A single appointment can tell you exactly where things stand — and what to do next.
To schedule your annual skin check at Gunn Dermatology, contact their office and take the first step.
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