This Summer Think Sun Smart

(And Why It’s More Than Just Sunscreen)

When it comes to protecting your skin, sunscreen gets all the glory — but it’s just one part of the plan. True skin cancer prevention is about smart habits, smart clothing, and smart choices every single day.

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month let’s talk about what really works when it comes to keeping your skin safe for the long run.

First Line of Defense: Smarter Sun Behavior

Your best protection? Avoiding the sun at its strongest.

• Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are at their peak.
• Plan your time outdoors earlier in the morning or later in the evening when possible.
• Remember reflection. Water, sand, concrete, and snow can bounce UV rays back at you — making shade and protection even more important.

Of course, life happens. Maybe your son or daughter has a soccer game smack in the middle of peak sun hours.
You already know to slather the highest SPF you can find onto your kiddo — but what about you?
After applying sunscreen from head to toe, your next best move is to find shade wherever you can.
A tree, a building, a tent, an umbrella — anything that throws off shade gives your skin a much-needed break from direct UV exposure.

And here’s something else to think about: your kids are always watching.
When you apply sunscreen, reach for a hat, and hunt for shade, you’re not just protecting yourself — you’re role modeling sun-smart behavior they’ll carry into their future.
Broadcast your sun smarts loud and clear. It’s one of the best lessons you can pass on.

Cover Up: Sun Protective Clothing

What you wear matters — a lot.

• Wide-brimmed hats protect your face, ears, and neck better than a baseball cap ever will.
• Long-sleeved shirts and pants made from tightly woven fabrics offer real protection.
• Swim shirts for the kiddos are a game changer at the pool or beach — and they protect even when sunscreen gets washed away.

Look for clothes labeled with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) for extra defense that stays strong all day.

Stop Sunburn Before It Starts

Here’s a number that’s hard to ignore: Just five sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of developing melanoma.
Even a single blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can dramatically raise the odds of skin cancer later in life.

Sunburn isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s skin damage at the cellular level.
Protecting yourself (and your family) from burns is one of the most powerful ways to lower your risk.

Now Let’s Talk Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential, but it’s not a magic shield — it’s part of a full strategy.

• Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Pick SPF 30 or higher — SPF 50 is ideal for fair skin, outdoor activities, or extended sun exposure.
• Apply generously. Most adults need about a shot glass full (one ounce) to cover their body.
• Reapply every two hours, or right after swimming or sweating.

No sunscreen is waterproof (the FDA banned that claim), so “water resistant” is your best bet for beach or pool days.

A Word About SPF in Makeup

We love a multitasking product — but SPF in your foundation or tinted moisturizer usually isn’t enough.
Unless it’s a professional-grade sunscreen formulated for sun protection first, makeup with SPF often falls short.

Most people don’t apply enough foundation to get the labeled level of protection, and touch-ups throughout the day are rare.
That means if you’re counting on your makeup alone, you’re likely under-protected — and overexposed.

Pro Tip: Layer a true sunscreen under your makeup for real coverage that lasts.

Medical grade sunscreens to get the job done

If you need a little help picking out the right sunscreen, don’t hit the corner drugstore, your cosmetic counter, or — worst yet — start scrolling endlessly through your Amazon feed. Instead, click here to check out Midwest Dermatology’s board-certified dermatologist recommended sunscreens. We’ll ship your favorites straight to your doorstep, or you can choose to pick them up in the office — whatever’s easiest for you!

Prevention = Power

Sun-smart behavior. Protective clothing. Sunburn prevention. A real sunscreen you trust.

When you put it all together, you’re not just avoiding wrinkles — you’re actively protecting yourself (and your family) from one of the most common and preventable cancers.

This summer, and every season, choose protection first.

Because the best skin cancer is the one that never has a chance to start.