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Written By: Rachel Putman
Sandra Marchese Johnson, M.D., is a dedicated supporter of education, a longtime friend of the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, and a faculty member at both UAMS and the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, sharing her expertise with the next generation of health care professionals.
Dr. Sandy received her certification from the American Board of Dermatology in 2000, 2010, and 2020. Raised in northeast Ohio, she graduated from Northeastern Ohio University's College of Medicine in 1996 and completed her residency at UAMS. She later served as the UAMS Director of Dermatology Clinical Trials and supervised cosmetic training for dermatology residents.
Dr. Sandy holds three patents, has co-authored a book, participated in more than 100 clinical trials, and published more than 100 scientific articles. She is a past president of the Arkansas Dermatologic Society and remains active in the American Academy of Dermatology, where she has received a presidential citation and currently serves on the Board of Directors. She has also served on the Laser Safety Committee for the Arkansas State Medical Board.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Sandy is deeply involved in advocacy and community leadership. She has been recognized as a “top advocate” by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, named a Shining Star by the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, and received the Leadership Fort Smith Health Care Award. She has served on several local boards, including the Mercy Hospital Board of Advisors and the UAFS Board of Visitors, and she just completed her term as the 2025 Chair of the Board of the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce.
What should people know about sun exposure and skin health as we head into summer?
Your skin is healthiest when it is the color you were born with. Sun exposure is not necessarily bad, but it should be approached with protection and moderation.
At Johnson Dermatology, we are big believers in sun-protective clothing. We try to avoid peak sunlight hours, wear sun-protective glasses and hats, and seek shade whenever possible. We also use total protection sunblock on exposed skin to help guard against UV light, visible light, and environmental toxins.
When is a sunburn serious? What should you do if you have a serious sunburn?
Every sunburn is an insult to your skin. If your sunburn blisters or you cannot feel the burned area, that is a true dermatologic emergency. You should go to the emergency department or contact your local dermatologist.
For milder burns, cool compresses can help. In some cases, a dermatologist may recommend prescription topical medication or oral medication.
What are the biggest myths you hear about summer sun exposure?
One common myth is that you cannot get sunburned on cloudy or cold days. That is not true. Up to 90 percent of UV rays can penetrate clouds.
Another myth is that a base tan protects you from getting burned. In reality, a base tan only provides about an SPF of 4.
People also sometimes believe that darker skin tones do not need sunscreen. UV light can damage anyone’s skin, regardless of skin color. Darker skin tones may have some natural protection, but not enough to prevent UV damage.
Another misconception is that a daily moisturizer with sunscreen is enough. Most people do not use enough product to get the SPF listed on the bottle, so the actual protection is often much lower.
Finally, some people think they need a lot of unprotected sun exposure to get enough vitamin D. The truth is that about 15 minutes is all your body needs to produce the vitamin D it can make from sunlight.
How can families protect themselves beyond just using sunscreen?
Try to avoid peak sunlight hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Never use a tanning bed. Wear sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and a hat. Protect often-forgotten areas like the lips, scalp, ears, neck, and tops of the feet.
It also helps to create your own shade whenever possible, whether that means using an umbrella, sitting under a tree, or choosing covered areas during outdoor activities. And remember: cloudy or cool weather does not mean UV rays are harmless.
What is the most important thing to share with our community about skin health?
Your skin is your largest and most important organ, and it deserves protection.
Most of us would agree that everyone looks beautiful in their 20s, whether they believe it or not. The key is to love and protect your skin as early as possible so you can keep it looking “skintastic” throughout your life.
An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Sun protection early in life can make a lasting difference.