Sun, Skin, and Supplements: Staying Healthy During Florida Summers

Summer in Florida means sunshine, beach days, and longer evenings—the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up everything the season has to offer. But along with the fun comes higher temperatures, intense UV exposure, and an increased need to stay on top of your skin health, hydration, and overall wellness. At Coastal Medical Care, we want you to enjoy a safe, energized, and healthy summer. With a few simple, preventive steps, you can protect your body, stay comfortable in the heat, and feel your best all season long.

Protect Your Skin from the Inside Out

Florida’s sun can be intense year-round, but UV exposure peaks in summer. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is a must—even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

Pro tip: Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like ears, tops of feet, and the back of your neck.

We also recommend an annual skin check to catch potential issues early. If it’s been more than a year since your last screening, now is the perfect time to schedule it with your provider.

Hydrate Smarter

Dehydration is more common than you might think in hot, humid climates. Aim for at least 8–10 glasses of water per day, more if you’re active or outdoors.

You can also boost hydration with:

  • Electrolyte-rich drinks (look for low-sugar options)

  • Hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and citrus fruits

If you’re feeling sluggish, dizzy, or run down in the heat, consider stopping by for a vitamin or hydration injection to replenish quickly and safely.

Support Your Body with Seasonal Supplements

Your body’s needs can shift with the seasons. In summer, focus on:

  • Vitamin C – helps support your immune system and protect against sun damage

  • Vitamin D – even in sunny Florida, many people are still deficient

  • Antioxidants like zinc and glutathione – combat oxidative stress from UV exposure

Ask us about personalized lab testing to see where you stand and whether supplements could support your summer wellness routine.

Stay Well, Stay Active, Stay Informed

Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of summer—but it’s important to stay mindful of the risks that come with prolonged sun exposure. Too much UV radiation can lead to premature aging, sunburns, and more seriously, increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma—the deadliest form.

Even indoor tanning or occasional sunburns can significantly raise your lifetime melanoma risk. And Florida’s high UV index means that unprotected skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes.

That’s why we encourage:

  • Daily SPF use

  • Protective clothing

  • Avoiding peak sun hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

  • And scheduling a yearly skin exam, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer, fair skin, or a history of tanning.

904.643.6346 • coastalmedicalcare.com