--- title: Your Skin Is Your Shield. Protect It Year-Round description: When we think about staying healthy, we often focus on things like the heart, lungs, or brain. But your skin is just as important. As the body’s largest organ, your skin serves as the first line of defense and protects you from things like sunburn, germs, and pollution. It protects, regulates, and reflects your overall health. image: https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeeoKgIKSuVrNmhURYp31OjrbPijuKXB1RGlKBsmp7-wWqGJ6gvu0LlwA4xL79gCqSSHnWUXnsSKMp49fXn0njoBKURUNEiKPKqdHjJbZlEq1uI7SAMdkDWFNgelsvbDlu0IE66QA?key=ZFy4XTEAhj7ymCtoa4hxBg --- [![](https://usfhp2.knockmedia.dev/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-1.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) - [About Us](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Events & Webinars](https://usfhp.net/events-and-webinars/) - [Contact Us](https://usfhp.net/contact/) [Members](https://member.usfhp.net/) [Providers](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Member FAQs](https://usfhp.net/member-faqs/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Become a Member](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Eligibility](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Health Benefit Consultants](https://usfhp.net/health-benefit-consultants) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Tricare Prime Coverage](https://usfhp.net/tricare-prime-coverage/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Webinars](https://usfhp.net/webinars/) - [Contact](https://usfhp.net/contact/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [About](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Provider Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Member Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) ### Contact - - - # Weekly Health Tips # Your Skin Is Your Shield. Protect It Year-Round Posted by [USFHP](https://blog.usfhp.net/author/usfhp) on Jul 23, 2025 11:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeeoKgIKSuVrNmhURYp31OjrbPijuKXB1RGlKBsmp7-wWqGJ6gvu0LlwA4xL79gCqSSHnWUXnsSKMp49fXn0njoBKURUNEiKPKqdHjJbZlEq1uI7SAMdkDWFNgelsvbDlu0IE66QA?key=ZFy4XTEAhj7ymCtoa4hxBg)   Image Credit: [Canva](https://www.canva.com/)   When we think about staying healthy, we often focus on things like the heart, lungs, or brain. But your skin is just as important. As the body’s largest organ, your skin serves as the first line of defense and protects you from things like sunburn, germs, and pollution. It protects, regulates, and reflects your overall health. **Why Summer Skin Care Matters** With longer days and more time outdoors, your skin works even harder. More time outside means more sun, heat, and sweat. Too much sun can cause sunburn, dry skin, and even raise the risk of skin cancer. That’s why taking care of your skin every day is important, not just on sunny days at the beach. **Sun Protection: A Daily Essential** Sunscreen isn’t only for vacations. Doctors recommend applying broad-spectrum [SPF 30 or higher every day](https://www.dvidshub.net/news/425217/soldiers-not-immune-damage-suns-rays). Yes, even on cloudy days or [when you’re mostly indoors near windows](https://www.health.mil/News/Articles/2022/06/13/Doctors-Recommend-Sunscreen-for-All-Skin-Complexions). Don’t forget to reapply it every two hours if you’re swimming or sweating. **Moisturizer: Not Just for Winter** Summer heat can strip the skin of its natural moisture. A lightweight moisturizer helps maintain your skin barrier and prevent dehydration. For added protection, choose products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. **Easy Skin Care Habits** - Drink water: It keeps your skin hydrated. - Wash your face gently: Do this in the morning and before bed to remove sweat, dirt, and oil. - Cover up: When possible, wear a hat or [UV-protective clothing](https://www.health.mil/News/Articles/2022/06/27/Tips-for-Enjoying-Outdoor-Activities-as-Summer-Arrives) outdoors. - Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots: Like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet. **Skincare Is Healthcare** Taking care of your skin isn’t just about looks. It’s part of taking care of your whole body. The best part? These small daily habits can help keep your skin strong and healthy. **USFHP Supports Your Health, Inside and Out** At USFHP, we’re committed to supporting your total well-being, inside and out! Our Primary Healthcare Plan covers preventive care, routine checkups, and specialty services to help you and your family stay healthy all year long. Visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848 to learn more or find a provider near you. Topics: [skin](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/skin), [skincare](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/skincare) [![](http://usfhp2.test/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Group-1774.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) To provide the highest quality health care for uniformed services family members, retirees, and their family members. - - - [Contact Us](https://blog.usfhp.net/) [Member's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Provider Quick Links - About - Resources - FAQs - Videos [Provider's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Member Quick Links - [Enroll](http://usfhp2.test/enrollment/) - Benefits - Locations - Webinars --- TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. ©2022 All rights reserved. website by [knockmedia](https://knockmedia.com)