At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Northern California, we’re proud to support Skin Cancer Awareness Month every May—a critical time to remind our community about the dangers of skin cancer and the power of prevention. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it’s also one of the most preventable when you adopt smart, daily sun protection habits.
As board-certified dermatologists and laser experts, we want you to enjoy the outdoors safely—because radiant skin is healthy skin. Follow these 5 dermatologist-approved tips to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer while keeping your skin youthful and protected.
Protecting your skin starts with a simple rule: be proactive every day, all year long. Sun damage can happen even on cloudy days and through windows. Here’s how to Practice Safe Sun:
✔️ Seek shade—especially between 10 AM and 4 PM
✔️ Wear sun-protective clothing (long sleeves, wide-brim hats, UV-blocking sunglasses)
✔️ Apply sunscreen—broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher with zinc, and water-resistant
✔️ Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off
Why it matters: Without proper reapplication, sunscreen loses its effectiveness, leaving your skin vulnerable to harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause burns, premature aging, and skin cancers.
Research has confirmed what dermatologists have long warned: indoor tanning devices (like tanning beds, sun lamps, and bulbs) increase your risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Tanning beds can emit UV rays stronger than midday tropical sun.
Our advice: If you’ve used indoor tanning in the past, schedule a full-body skin check with a board-certified dermatologist to screen for early signs of skin cancer. Early detection saves lives.
It’s a persistent myth that a “base tan” can prevent sunburn. The truth? Every tan = skin damage. Each time your skin changes color due to sun exposure, DNA damage is occurring—raising your risk of skin cancer and accelerating signs of aging like wrinkles, pigmentation, and leathery texture.
Pro tip: Swap out harmful UV exposure for a self-tanner if you love the sun-kissed look. Today’s formulations offer a streak-free, golden glow—no UV required.
The best sunscreen is the one you love to wear. Make it part of your daily skincare ritual—just like brushing your teeth. Here’s how to maximize protection:
✔️ Choose broad-spectrum SPF 30+ with Zinc
✔️ Look for water resistance if you’re swimming or sweating
✔️ Consider tinted sunscreens with iron oxides for added protection from visible light
✔️ Enhance with an antioxidant serum underneath your SPF for extra defense against free radicals
✔️ Always check your sunscreen’s expiration date
Pro tip: Use more than you think! Aim for a nickel-sized dollop for your face alone, and about a shot-glass amount for your body.
Skin cancer is the one cancer you can see with your own eyes. Perform a monthly skin self-check to spot anything NEW, CHANGING, or UNUSUAL.
🔎 Look for:
Our expert tip: If you notice anything suspicious—or even if you’re unsure—book an appointment with your dermatologist—early detection = higher cure rates + less invasive treatment.
At Laser & Skin, our board-certified dermatologists, PA and skin health experts are here to help you stay safe and informed. From expert mole checks to advanced treatments for sun damage, we’re committed to keeping your skin healthy, youthful, and protected.
