It’s one of beauty’s simple truths: skin safety goes way beyond the beach—and way beyond the fair-skinned. Incidental sun exposure accrued throughout the year, no matter the season, is a major contributor to dark spots and uneven skin tone, lines and wrinkles. Sun damage can also enlarge pores, since UV rays damage the supports that keep pores in shape. Dr. David Orentreich, Clinique Guiding Dermatologist, offers these skin-savvy tips to help protect all skin types and tones.

DO wear sunscreen everyday, even if you work in an office.
"For those of us who work indoors and go out at lunchtime, that 10 or 15 minutes of exposure every day adds up to many, many hours—more hours than the relatively few we spend outdoors while on vacation at the beach. Protecting yourself daily over the decades can reduce lifetime sun damage."

DON’T skip the sunscreen if you have darker skin.
"While it’s true that darker skins have more natural protection from the sun, ALL skin tones fade a bit during the winter. Don’t overestimate the natural protection you have and then overdo it in the sun. It’s a big mistake and, unfortunately, a common one.”

DO prevent uneven skin tone. 
"Even skin tone is one of the most important characteristics of youth and health. All skin tones, particularly melanin-rich ones, develop patches and spots of darker color caused by what is essentially a defense mechanism. Skin defends itself from aggressors by overproducing pigment in an attempt to cover and protect healing skin. Limit sun exposure, and you can help prevent the darkening. A fragrance-free sunscreen is a must."

Clinique Guiding Dermatologist Dr. David Orentreich is an internationally recognized innovator of treatments that create vital, healthy skin at every age. In his New York City clinical practice, he strives to make the latest science simple, gentle and effective, following the lead of his father, Dr. Norman Orentreich, Clinique’s original Formulating Dermatologist.