The sun and your skin
Balancing benefits and risks as summer approaches
By Rosanna Wakley
Knightly News Reporter
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many people eagerly anticipate outdoor activities. The warmth of the sun kills the winter blues.
While sunlight offers numerous health benefits, including vitamin D production and mood enhancement, it also poses risks such as skin damage and increased cancer risk.
Dermatologists emphasize that understanding how to balance sun exposure is crucial for maintaining overall health.
Sunlight is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D, a nutrient vital for bone health, immune function and mood regulation. Even brief periods of sun exposure, about 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week, can help maintain adequate vitamin D levels. However, excessive sun exposure without protection can lead to skin damage, premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancers, including melanoma.
A common misconception is that individuals with darker skin tones are immune to sun damage due to higher melanin levels. While melanin does provide some natural protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it does not eliminate the risk of skin damage or cancer. In fact, skin cancers in people of color are often diagnosed at more advanced stages, leading to worse outcomes. It is essential, then, for individuals of all skin tones to use sun protection measures, including sunscreen with a high SPF, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
Rising skin cancer rates
Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 104,960 new cases of melanoma are expected to be diagnosed in 2025, with about 8,430 deaths. These statistics underscore the importance of preventive measures and regular skin examinations for early detection and treatment. While there have been slight improvements over the last several years, the main factor is awareness and being proactive.
Types of skin cancer and warning signs
There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.
- Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, or a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion.
- Squamous cell carcinoma typically presents as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
- Melanoma, the most serious form, can develop in an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot. Warning signs include asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and any evolving shape or size, often summarized by dermatologists as the “ABCDEs” of melanoma detection.
Early diagnosis is critical. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent when caught early but drops significantly once it spreads.
Other sun-related skin damage
Beyond cancer risks, unprotected sun exposure accelerates skin-aging dramatically. UV rays break down collagen and elastin, the fibers that give skin its firmness and elasticity, leading to premature wrinkles, sagging and rough texture. Sun damage can also cause uneven skin tone, persistent redness, dark spots (hyperpigmentation) and a condition called actinic keratosis, a rough, scaly patch that can become cancerous over time.
Expert insights
To enjoy the benefits of sunlight while minimizing risks, experts recommend:
- Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days.
- Wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses when outdoors.
- Seeking shade during peak sun intensity hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Being mindful of reflective surfaces like water and sand, which can increase UV exposure.
“But the overwhelming majority of my patients, and those at spectator games, are wearing baseball caps,” said New York City dermatologist Elizabeth K. Hale.
She added, “Those are better than nothing, but I see a lot of skin cancer as well as a lot of sun damage on the lateral cheeks, the jawline and ears. Even people who have good intentions and do apply sunscreen and then wear a baseball hat are getting sun damage on the side of the face.”
In the end, sunlight is a gift, but it’s one that must be respected. Protecting your skin today is an investment in your health, your future generally and your life particularly. No matter your age, your background or the color of your skin, the sun shines on us all, and so does the responsibility to protect ourselves.
It is important for everyone to see a dermatologist and checked for any concerns or to monitor changes. There are places on your body you just can’t see. Find a dermatologist in your network here. Users can enter their location and health insurance-plan or insurance company name in the tool.
Questions or comments? Contact [email protected].
Edited by media-club co-advisor and blog editor Professor Michael-Olimpi.
