30 Apr 10 Tips for Skin Cancer Awareness Month and National Sunscreen Day

10 Tips for Skin Cancer Awareness Month and National Sunscreen Day

May marks both Skin Cancer Awareness Month and National Sunscreen Day. These observances serve as powerful reminders to take sun safety seriously—especially in Philadelphia, where people of all skin tones often underestimate UV exposure. Whether you’re spending time in Rittenhouse Square or taking a walk along the Schuylkill River Trail, sun protection should be part of your daily routine. This is especially true for people with skin of color, who may believe they’re less at risk. The truth is: anyone can get skin cancer, and UV rays don’t discriminate. Below are ten 10 Tips for Skin Cancer Awareness Month and National Sunscreen Day:

1. Wear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily

Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Even on cloudy days in Philadelphia, UV rays still penetrate the clouds. You can’t see or feel them, but they damage your skin. People with darker skin tones may not burn easily, but sun exposure still increases the risk of skin cancer and hyperpigmentation. Make sunscreen part of your morning routine, just like brushing your teeth.

2. Reapply Every 2 Hours

Sunscreen effectiveness fades with time. It also rubs off with sweat, water, and towel drying. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even if you’re not in direct sun.  In humid East Coast summers, this step is especially crucial. Sweat can wash off even water-resistant formulas.  Keep a travel-size bottle in your bag for convenience. One of our favorite over the counter sunscreen brands.

3. Don’t Forget Often-Missed Spots

People often miss the ears, lips, neck, scalp, hands, and tops of feet. These areas are vulnerable. Use a lip balm with SPF. Spray sunscreen works well on scalps or bald heads. Hands and necks show sun damage early, especially in people with melanin-rich skin. Cover every inch, and reapply to these areas just as often.

4. Seek Shade During Peak Hours

UV rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Try to avoid direct sunlight during these hours. In Philadelphia, this often coincides with outdoor lunch breaks and weekend events.  Look for natural shade, umbrellas, or buildings to block the sun. When shade isn’t available, take other protective steps like clothing and hats.

5. Wear Protective Clothing

Clothing is your first line of defense against UV exposure. Look for garments with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. Wide-brimmed hats protect your face, neck, and ears. UV-blocking sunglasses protect your eyes and surrounding skin. For people with darker skin, sun protection can also reduce the risk of dark spots and uneven tone. Loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants provide added coverage during outdoor activities.

6. Get to Know Your Skin

Regular skin checks help you detect changes early. Check your body monthly in good lighting. Look for new moles, growths, or any spot that changes in shape, size, or color.  In skin of color, melanoma often develops in less obvious places, like palms, soles, and nail beds. Use a mirror or ask a partner to help you examine hard-to-see areas.

7. Schedule an Annual Skin Exam

Book a full-body skin exam with a dermatologist once a year. It could save your life. Choose a provider in Philadelphia who is experienced with skin of color. They’ll better recognize specific risks and patterns. Early detection leads to higher survival rates, regardless of your skin tone. If something looks suspicious, don’t wait—schedule an appointment right away.

8. Be Extra Careful Near Water, Snow, and Sand

These surfaces reflect UV rays, intensifying their effect and increasing your burn risk. Philadelphia’s summer trips to the Jersey Shore or winter getaways to the Poconos both require extra caution. Even when the air feels cool, UV rays can still damage your skin. Use higher SPF and reapply more frequently when near reflective surfaces.

9. Remember, Tans Are Skin Damage

There’s no such thing as a safe or healthy tan. Tanning is a sign of skin cell injury.  This applies to all skin tones. Even if you don’t burn, your DNA is still being damaged. Tans may fade, but the long-term risks remain. These include premature aging and skin cancer.  Skip the tanning oil and use SPF instead. Your skin will thank you.

10. Start Good Habits Young

Children’s skin is especially sensitive to UV rays. Start sun-safe habits early.  Teach your children to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and dress appropriately for sun exposure.  In Philadelphia playgrounds or at school field trips, kids are constantly in the sun. Habits formed in childhood last a lifetime and drastically reduce future skin cancer risk. Make sunscreen fun and routine for the whole family.

Final Thoughts

Sun protection is essential for everyone, every day—no matter your location or skin tone. In Philadelphia, UV levels vary with the seasons, but the need for sun safety does not. For people with skin of color, consistent sun protection also helps prevent issues like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  As Skin Cancer Awareness Month and National Sunscreen Day remind us, prevention starts now. Follow these 10 tips to protect your skin and stay safe in the sun—for life.