Dr. Pimple Popper is illuminating the importance of maintaining healthy skin.

As summer approaches, Dr. Sandra Lee recognizes that enjoying outdoor activities at the beach, pool, and park is essential for many. However, she strongly emphasizes the necessity of packing an essential item: sunscreen. 

“One of the most significant mistakes we make is neglecting sunscreen,” the board-certified dermatologist shared in an exclusive interview with E! News. “When you’re exposed to the sun, you are subjected to harmful UV rays, which significantly increase your risk for skin cancer.”

In addition to serious health concerns, she pointed out that failing to apply sunscreen also leads to “an increased risk for premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots on the skin.”

While many people desire that coveted sun-kissed glow during the summer, Lee cautions that achieving a tan is actually a sign that it’s time to reapply sunscreen. “Even if you notice a slight tan, it indicates that your sunscreen is not functioning effectively because you should not be tanning at all,” she explained. “You should return home with the same skin tone as when you left. When your skin darkens, it signals that your melanocytes—the cells responsible for pigmentation—are working hard to produce melanin to protect your skin from the sun.”