Sun and skin: why and how to monitor your skin

07/08/2025
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It is on the front line against the aggressions of our environment. Always there to defend us and protect us against wind and sun. But the resistance capacity of our skin has limits , and it can be weakened. Among the various harmful factors, the sun undoubtedly holds the first place. Although essential to our well-being, it is also an enemy for our skin, accelerating its aging and even promoting the appearance of diseases such as skin cancer .
So, as it is difficult to do without the sun and the pleasure of exposing yourself to it, it is essential to monitor your skin , to learn to spot the signs that matter, but also to adopt the right actions to protect it .
In this article, we discuss the dangers of the sun for the skin , the reference method for properly monitoring your skin, as well as our best tips for preventing its damage .

The impact of the sun on the health and aging of our skin

Photoaging: UV rays, accelerators of visible… and invisible aging

Skin aging is a natural process, but when it is accelerated by repeated exposure to the sun, it is called photoaging .

Photoaging is promoted by the action of UV rays in the different layers of the skin¹:

  • UVA rays, present all year round and able to penetrate windows and clouds, penetrate deep into the dermis. They alter the firmness and elasticity of the skin by damaging collagen and elastin fibers.
  • UVB rays, which are more intense in summer, act on the surface. They are responsible for sunburn , but also for cell mutations and repeated inflammatory reactions .

And the consequences of UV rays on the skin are twofold :

  • Some are visible : the deepening of wrinkles, sagging skin, loss of skin tone, the appearance of pigment spots².
  • Others are invisible : much deeper and more worrying, with DNA damage, an alteration of the cell regeneration process, and disruption of the skin's immune system. And ultimately, the risk of the appearance of precancerous lesions ³.

On sensitive, already reactive or weakened skin , these effects may appear earlier and be accompanied by a reduced capacity for repair.

The link between sun and skin cancer

Aging isn't the only issue when it comes to UV rays. Sun exposure is the main risk factor for skin cancer. According to the French National Cancer Institute (INCa), 80% of skin cancers are directly linked to excessive and unprotected sun exposure ⁴.

There are 3 main types of skin cancer⁴:

  • Basal cell carcinoma : this is the most common (70% of skin cancers). It develops slowly, it rarely infiltrates neighboring tissues, but it can recur locally if it is not treated in time.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma : rarer (20%), it is also more aggressive because it can spread deep and metastasize.
  • Melanoma : It represents only 10% of skin cancer cases, but it is the most feared and accounts for 75% of deaths related to this type of cancer. It can appear from an existing mole or on healthy skin. It progresses quickly and early diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment.
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Skin profiles at greater risk from the sun

Some people are naturally more vulnerable to UV rays. This is particularly the case for:

  • Light phototypes , very light skin, blond or red hair, light eyes, who tan with difficulty and get sunburned easily.
  • People with a family history of skin cancer.
  • People with many moles , or irregular pigment spots.

But the risk isn't just related to skin type. Certain areas of the body are particularly exposed and fragile, such as the face, neck, décolleté, ears, shoulders, and even the scalp (especially in bald men or those with little hair). These areas must be monitored carefully, as they receive the most radiation over time.

Check out our full article to learn more about the effects of the sun on the skin.
Faced with these risks, it seems essential to pay attention to the condition of our skin . Skin aging or the appearance of lesions are insidious and occur over time and with repeated sun exposure. And these gradual changes can be detected early if we take the time to observe our skin.

Detecting suspicious lesions with the ABCD rule

A simple tool for effective self-monitoring: the ABCD rule

Monitoring your skin and observing your body carefully and regularly allows you to spot potential abnormalities before they become problematic. Developed by dermatologists, the ABCD method is a simple, visual tool that's accessible to everyone and allows you to detect suspicious skin lesions.

Easy to remember and apply on a daily basis, the method is based on criteria to observe on a mole or pigment spot⁵:

  • A for Asymmetry : with an irregular shape.
  • B for Irregular Edges : the contours are blurred, scalloped, poorly defined.
  • C for Non-uniform color : the color is non-homogeneous, mixing several shades (brown, black, red, even blue or white).
  • D for Diameter : the size is greater than 6 mm or tends to change rapidly.
Attention :

This method is a valuable tool for vigilance , to be practiced regularly , in front of a mirror or with the help of a loved one, but it does not exempt you from regular consultations with a dermatologist for professional monitoring.

Signs that should alert you

Beyond the ABCD method, certain behaviors or changes in the skin should attract your attention:

  • A mole that changes : in size, shape, color, or becomes asymmetrical.
  • A lesion that does not heal , bleeds spontaneously, itches, or forms a persistent scab.
  • A new pigmented spot that appears after the age of 40, especially if it seems to be evolving quickly.

As you will have understood, the key is therefore regular observation of your skin . And in case of doubt, it is imperative not to let an anomaly develop without monitoring and to consult a dermatologist.

Topicrem tip : getting into the habit of photographing your moles (with date and location) will allow you to compare their evolution over time and provide useful information to the dermatologist during a consultation.

Preventing the effects of the sun: simple steps for protected skin

Preventing the effects of the sun isn't just a summer precaution: it's a daily approach to maintaining skin health year-round . Indeed, UV rays are present throughout the year, even on cloudy days and even in winter. Therefore, every exposure counts. Fortunately, there are simple, effective, and accessible ways for everyone to protect your skin every day.

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Photoprotection: essential in all seasons

Perhaps the first thing to do is apply sunscreen appropriate for your skin type daily , even outside of the summer. Contrary to popular belief, UV rays can pass through clouds and windows: they are present in all seasons, even when the sun is not shining directly⁶.

Sensitive skin can opt for high tolerance formulas, designed to minimize the risk of skin reactions:

  • Fragrance and alcohol free
  • Broad spectrum UVA/UVB
  • Water resistant
  • Dermatologically tested

The TOPICREM solution: our SUN PROTECT sunscreen range specifically meets the needs of sensitive skin. With its lightweight textures and dermatologically adapted filters, it combines effective photoprotection with ease of use, while respecting the skin's natural sensitivity.

Protective reflexes to adopt

Beyond sunscreen, a few simple measures and actions can help to better protect your skin from the sun:

  • Avoid exposure between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are most intense.
  • Wear protective clothing , a wide-brimmed hat, and high-protection sunglasses.
  • Apply sunscreen (generously) every 2 hours , as well as after swimming, physical activity or excessive sweating.

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of photoaging and skin damage.

Dermatological monitoring: an essential preventive measure

While knowing your skin well is essential, it doesn't replace professional observation. Regularly consulting a dermatologist ensures more effective prevention, particularly for detecting early signs that a layperson might not be able to see. Showing your skin to a dermatologist is definitely a healthy habit to adopt with the same simplicity as an annual health checkup.

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Why consult a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is trained to recognize the slightest skin abnormalities , even invisible or discreet ones . He monitors the skin , the evolution of moles and can detect precancerous lesions and skin cancers at an early stage.

During a consultation, the dermatologist is able to know:

  • Recommend and adapt your care according to your skin type, age, sun exposure habits and lifestyle, in order to better prevent sun-related damage.
  • Establish a personalized skin map : by taking photos of suspicious moles, which allows their evolution over time to be monitored.
  • Detect early lesions , particularly those that may be located in areas that are difficult to observe yourself (back, scalp, hollows behind the ears, etc.).

Finally, consulting a dermatologist is also a privileged moment to ask your questions, understand the manifestations of your skin, and benefit from personalized dermatological advice.

How often should I see a dermatologist?

The frequency of consultations depends on your skin profile and history.
As a general rule, it is recommended to plan:

  1. A visit every 1 to 2 years as a preventative measure, even in the absence of symptoms or apparent skin lesions.
  2. Every 6 months , in case of:
  • Many moles ,
  • Very light skin (phototype I or II),
  • Family or personal history of skin cancer,
  • Frequent or past sun exposure (especially in childhood),

Certainly, seeing a dermatologist is an appointment that can change everything: by detecting early, we treat better, and above all, we preserve longer.

Our skin accompanies us throughout our lives. Looking after it means taking care of it and paying attention to yourself. It also means choosing prevention and giving yourself the means to maintain your health.
By adopting good habits (sun protection, regular observation and dermatological monitoring), everyone can act effectively to preserve the beauty and integrity of their skin, today and tomorrow.
At TOPICREM, our mission is to help you, in all circumstances, with high-tolerance skincare , formulated with care and rigorously tested . By taking care of your skin, you are giving yourself a gift: self-care for greater well-being and better health, for longer.

TOPICREM formulas have all been designed to provide protective hydration and preserve the skin barrier of sensitive skin for the whole family.
To do this, the laboratory relies on its expertise derived from pharmaceutical excellence:

  • Selection of high tolerance ingredients with proven effectiveness,
  • Development of formulas clinically tested on sensitive skin,
  • Effectiveness proven by science and approved by consumers.

Through the comfort and emotional well-being they provide, our treatments help you feel confident in your skin and in yourself, to better reveal yourself to others, and thus to fully enjoy every moment of life.

Bibliographic references:
¹Mélissopoulos A, Levacher C. The skin, structure and physiology, 2nd edition. Lavoisier.2012.
²Leccia MT. Photo-induced skin aging. EMC - Cosmetology and aesthetic dermatology. Jan 2006;1(1):1-10.
³ https://www.worldwidecancerresearch.org/
⁴https://www.cancer.fr/professionnels-de-sante/prevention-et-depistages/depistage-et-detection-precoce/detection-precoce-des-cancers-de-la-peau/epidemiologie#:~:text=With%2017%20922%20new%20cases,by%20cancer%2C%20all%20sexes%20combined.
⁵Nachbar F, Stolz W, Merkle T, Cognetta AB, Vogt T, Landthaler M, Bilek P, Braun-Falco O, Plewig G. The ABCD rule of dermatoscopy. High prospective value in the diagnosis of doubtful melanocytic skin lesions. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1994 Apr;30(4):551-9. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(94)70061-3. PMID: 8157780.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8157780/
⁶https://www.anses.fr/fr/system/files/AP2004et7183Ra.pdf