As the weather warms, we are eager to get outside and enjoy nature again. Being outside is good for us. The American Psychological Association reports benefits to time spent in nature, such as improvements in mental health, emotional well-being and reasoning.
But before you shut the door behind you, take a few steps to ensure you’re keeping yourself safe this May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month. It’s not just in the hot weather that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your skin and eyes. Here’s why you want to spend extra care protecting yourself and your family this spring:
• Keep in mind that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. By the age of 70, an estimated 20% of us will get it. Skin cancer, however, is also one of the cancers we can do a lot to protect ourselves against.
• Don’t be fooled by the clouds. The dangers of ultraviolent (UV) rays may be obvious when the sky is clear, but that’s not the only time they’re affecting you. Cloud cover is not enough to protect you. Take advantage of shade and protective clothing. Look into lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants.
• Ensure children and adolescents are especially careful in the sun. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma risk increases with intense sunburns early in life.
• Avoid going to a tanning bed for a “base” before beach trips. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, your risk of squamous cell carcinoma can go up 58% by using tanning beds. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that there are “more skin cancer cases due to indoor tanning than there are lung cancer cases due to smoking.”
• Consider which hours you are outside. Sunlight is the fiercest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Protect yourself more if you need to be outside during those periods of time, especially while in the water, which can magnify its impact.
• Don’t forget your own and your kids’ sunglasses. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you are more at risk of cataracts and eye cancers after being overexposed to UV light. Sunglasses with 100% UV protection are recommended. You can find guidance on picking out sunglasses at this link: aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/sunglasses-3.
• Pay attention to the details on your sunscreen. In addition to the SPF, look for broad spectrum coverage and water-resistance. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should use two tablespoons of sunscreen that has an SPF of 50 or higher 30 minutes before going outside and then apply it again at two-hour intervals or after sweating or swimming.
• Consider wearing sunscreen while behind the wheel. A 2026 study in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery indicated certain carcinomas may appear more frequently on the side of the face most exposed to UV rays while driving.
• Don’t rely solely on sunscreen. A beach umbrella, the shade of a pavilion and the protection of a tree can all keep you and your family safer and far more comfortable than roasting in direct sunlight.
• Take extra care with any babies under six months old. Since sunscreen isn’t advised for babies in this age group, prevent them from being exposed to any direct sunlight.
• Keep a hat by the door or in your car. It’s always easy to leave behind, but a good sunhat can provide a lot of protection, shading your face, neck, ears and the top of your head.
You don’t have to avoid the sun after enduring this chilly winter. Just take a few steps before doing so to ensure that a joyful day in nature doesn’t result in avoidable and potentially dangerous sun damage.
Ananda Kannappan, M.D., primary care physician and Lifestyle Medicine practitioner with Eskenazi Health Center Grande