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National Sunscreen Day

Sun damage can cause painful burns, wrinkles, and of course the ever-dreaded skin cancer. Use a high-SPF broad spectrum sunscreen any time you’re out in the sun.

Body & Health Items & Things Nature & Environment72

Marketing angleinferred

Drive May sunscreen sales and skin-health awareness by positioning SPF products as essential year-round protection against cancer, aging, and sun damage.

Relevance 72high intent

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Myth-busting: sunscreen works in winter too—here's why dermatologists recommend it year-round

History

National Sunscreen Day was started by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention in 2011 to help remind folks to protect their skin from the sun, in the summer and all throughout the year!

To understand the history of National Sunscreen Day, you also might be interested in the history of sun screen itself. One of the first known prevention creams for sunburn was actually created in the 1930s by an Australian man known as Milton Blake.

This product was the result of a lot of hard work and dedication. In fact, he spent 12 years experimenting in his kitchen until he was able to come up with a formula that worked. And boy did it work! The creams are still around today.

There have been a lot of advancements since then, of course. Franz Greiter, a chemistry student from Switzerland, was not happy with the sun protection products that were on the market.

This was especially the case after he ended up with really bad sunburn after climbing Mount Piz, which is located at the Swiss-Austrian border.

Because of this, he embarked on a mission to make sun screen better, and this is how SPF came about. The Piz Buin Glacier Cream was created in 1946. The SPF on this sun screen was only 2 at the time, but hey, this is where it all began! You’ve got to start somewhere, right?

How to celebrate

Wear Sunscreen, Of Course!

Sun screen defends the skin from damaging ultraviolet rays by forming a protective barrier – used properly, sun screen can help prevent skin cancer. Exposure to the sun also damages the skin and can worsen signs of ageing, so wearing sun screen will also keep your skin looking younger. Use National Sunscreen Day as a reminder to make sure you are properly protecting yourself from the sun, such as by keeping out of the rays at the hottest time of the day (10 am – 3pm), drinking plenty of liquids and, of course, wearing sun screen!

Get Educated About Sunscreen

We would recommend beginning by educating yourself on the most important sun safety tips. At a basic level, you should aim to use a minimum of factor 30 sunscreen. You should also take extra care with children, cover up using suitable sunglasses and clothing, and spend time in the shade during the hours when the sun is at its strongest.

Share with Others

Another way to observe National Sunscreen Day is to take the time to educate people about the importance of wearing sun screen. You may want to spend some time looking for insightful articles, blog posts, and infographics to share with your friends, family members, and followers on social media and your blog if you have one.

Read Stories

You can also look for real life stories whereby people have shared tales of suffering skin cancer because they have spent too much time in the sun without the right protection. Even if you reach one person with the content that you share, you are going to be making a difference.

Support Skin Cancer Charities

Aside from this, you may want to look into different charities for skin cancer, and you can spread the word about these organizations or you can even look into fundraising options. To fund raise, all you need is a fun idea that a group of people can get involved in. This can be anything from a fun run to a bake sale. Alternatively, you may decide to sell your own crafts and then you can donate the proceeds to a charity. Making your own straw hats and then selling a percentage of the profits is a great way to raise awareness and funds for this important cause in the process.

Learn Common Myths about Sunscreen

To help you get a better understanding regarding safe sun screen practices, we are going to clear up some of the most common myths about sun screen that people believe today. Myth 1 – I don’t need to wear sun screen if it is cold or cloudy. If the sun is in the sky, you need to wear sun screen, and the sun is always in the sky!Myth 2 – My sunscreen is SPF 50 so I don’t need to wear it as much. It does not matter what SPF is associated with your sunscreen, it is only going to last for around two hours, so you still need to re-apply.Myth 3 – I don’t need to reapply my sunscreen after swimming because it is waterproof. In fact, there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. Water resistant, yes, but waterproof, no! Myth 4 – I don’t need sun screen because I have dark skin. It may be more difficult to see sun damage on dark skin. However, people with dark skin are just as susceptible to sun burn, so you still need to make sure you wear sun screen.

FAQ

How does SPF actually work, and how should someone choose the right level?

SPF, or sun protection factor, measures how well a product protects skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. Higher SPF numbers block a greater percentage of UVB, but no sunscreen blocks 100 percent. Health organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology generally recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and higher SPF for fair or sensitive skin, high altitudes, reflective environments like snow or water, or extended outdoor time. Regardless of the SPF, sunscreen should be applied generously and reapplied regularly.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB, and why does “broad-spectrum” matter?

UVB rays primarily cause sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are strongly linked to premature aging and play a role in skin cancer. A “broad-spectrum” sunscreen has been tested to show it protects against both UVA and UVB. In some countries, additional labels or symbols, such as a UVA logo in a circle or a star rating system, indicate a minimum level of UVA protection relative to UVB. Choosing a broad-spectrum product helps reduce the risk of both photoaging and skin cancer when combined with other sun-safe behaviors.

How much sunscreen should people really use, and how often should it be reapplied?

Health authorities routinely find that people underapply sunscreen, which greatly reduces its actual protection. A common guideline is to use about 1 ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass, to cover all exposed skin on an average adult. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going outside and reapplied at least every 2 hours, and more often if swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Water-resistant formulas still lose effectiveness in water, so they also need frequent reapplication.

Is sunscreen still necessary on cloudy, cold, or winter days?

Up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate light cloud cover, and UV exposure remains significant even in cold weather. Snow, ice, and water can reflect UV radiation and increase overall exposure, particularly at higher altitudes. Because of this, dermatology and cancer organizations advise using broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin whenever someone will be outdoors for more than a brief period, regardless of temperature or season, and especially when the UV index is moderate or higher.

Do people with darker skin tones need sunscreen?

Darker skin has more melanin, which offers some natural protection and reduces the risk of sunburn, but it does not eliminate the risk of skin damage or skin cancer. Studies show that when skin cancers occur in people with darker skin, they are often diagnosed at a later stage and can have worse outcomes. Experts recommend that people of all skin tones use broad-spectrum sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing, while also checking skin regularly for new or changing spots.

Does using sunscreen prevent the body from getting enough vitamin D?

Sunscreen can reduce the skin’s production of vitamin D from sunlight, but in real-world use people rarely apply enough or reapply often enough to block all UVB exposure. Major health organizations state that vitamin D needs can usually be met safely through a combination of limited incidental sun exposure, diet, and supplements if needed, without risking unprotected sun exposure that raises skin cancer risk. Individuals with concerns about vitamin D levels should discuss testing and supplementation with a healthcare professional rather than skipping sunscreen.

What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens, and is one safer?

Mineral sunscreens use physical filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that sit on the skin’s surface and reflect or scatter UV rays, while chemical sunscreens use organic compounds that absorb UV radiation and convert it to a small amount of heat. Both types are considered effective and safe when used as directed, and both are regulated for quality and efficacy. People with very sensitive skin or certain allergies may prefer mineral formulas, while others choose chemical sunscreens for their lighter feel and easier blending. The best choice is the one a person likes enough to apply in the correct amount and reapply regularly.