By Layla Dials, Student Pharmacist with Karen Kier, Pharmacist
On behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Summer is officially here, which means it may be time to refresh your sun safety knowledge. Most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation coming from sun exposure, but artificial UV rays from tanning beds are linked to skin cancer. Spending time in the sun for recreational activities, going outside with unprotected or exposed skin, having serious sunburns in the past, having dark spots, or rough skin patches can all increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Additionally, the use of tanning beds can increase someone's risk of getting certain skin cancers by up to 60%.

The best way to prevent skin cancer is by protecting your skin from UV rays. Staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and wearing sunglasses or hats are all easy ways to prevent getting too much sun while outside. While these all seem achievable, a study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology in 2025 revealed that only 57% of Americans regularly use sunscreen, and most do not reapply throughout the day. It was found that 60% of Americans tanned their skin and more than one-third of those who tanned did it intentionally. Researchers determined that one-third of Americans reported getting a sunburn, with half of these people stating that the burn was severe enough to impact their physical or emotional well-being.

It appears there is a knowledge gap that comes from online misinformation. Almost half of all Americans stated they saw or heard things online saying sunscreen was toxic and dangerous, leading many to stop using sunscreen altogether. Accurate and scientific information is provided by the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Cancer Society, and the Skin Cancer Foundation in regard to sun safety. 

Who should wear sunscreen? 
Everyone living under the sun above the age of 6 months should wear sunscreen even if you easily tan, have a darker skin tone, or only go outside briefly each day.  The sun reflects off of snow and water so it is important to put sunscreen on exposed skin year-round. 

Are the ingredients bad? 
No. There are two main types of sunscreen, and both are safe and effective. 

• Mineral-based sunscreen containing the minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide repels UV rays before they can penetrate your skin. Chemical sunscreens containing avobenzone and octisalate absorb UV rays before they penetrate your skin.  Mineral sunscreens are generally preferred because they are less likely to cause irritation for those with sensitive skin or acne. They are considered “reef-safe,” whereas oxybenzone, octinoxate, or avobenzone found in chemical sunscreens can harm corals or other sea life.   

How do I pick one? 
A good sunscreen choice is: 

1. Broad spectrum 
2. At least SPF 50 (100 is better) 
3. Water resistant

How should I apply sunscreen? 
Apply 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen should be applied to all parts of the body that will see the sun and be sure to remember the tops of your ears, back of your neck, your scalp, and the tops of your feet. 

What if tanning is more important to me?
There is no such thing as healthy tanning. While it is possible to get a tan when using sunscreen properly, all tanning, even if you do not get burnt, is damage to the skin that increases your risk of skin cancer. A “base tan” does not prevent sunburn and is not recommended. 

How can I find out if I have sun damage to my skin already? 
Look at your skin for signs of sun damage such as sunspots or age spots, uneven skin tones, changes in skin texture, and premature aging.  Dermatologists can do advanced UV photography to show sun damage under the skin.  ONU HealthWise has a machine to evaluate sun damage to the face and can be an indicator for referral to a dermatologist. Call the pharmacy for more information about potential dates for skin scope screenings by the team.