July is UV Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to spotlight something we take for granted but can’t afford to ignore: ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Whether you’re spending time at the lake, enjoying a walk around Fargo, or simply driving to work, your skin is constantly exposed to UV rays that can lead to premature aging, sun damage, and most critically, skin cancer.
At Mosaic Dermatology in West Fargo, we see firsthand the impact that sun exposure can have on your skin. On the bright side, most UV-related skin damage is preventable with a little awareness and the right protection strategies.
Why UV Protection Matters
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun comes in two main forms: UVA and UVB. Both types penetrate the skin and contribute to DNA damage, photoaging, and skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Even in North Dakota, where winters are long and summers feel fleeting, UV rays are strong enough to cause harm, especially in the warmer months when we spend more time outdoors.
Did you know?
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.
- Melanoma risk is higher in people who’ve had blistering sunburns, especially during childhood
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
Sun Protection Tips from a Dermatologist
As a board-certified dermatologist, I encourage my patients to take a proactive approach to sun safety. Here are my top recommendations for protecting your skin every day:
1. Apply (and Reapply!) Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily
Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin damage and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and make it part of your morning routine.
Unfortunately, applying sunscreen once a day often isn’t enough. Reapplication is just as important, especially if you’re spending time outdoors, sweating, or in and out of the water. Thankfully, sunscreen technology continues to evolve and improve. Now sunscreen comes in a wide range of application types including creams, sticks, roll-on gel, sprays and even powders making it easier than ever to find what work for you.
My favorite solutions for sunscreen reapplication on the go:
Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Brush-On Shield SPF 50 by Colorescience. This mineral-based powder sunscreen is portable, mess-free, and easy to apply over makeup or bare skin, making it perfect for daily touch-ups and busy lifestyles. Stop in and grab yours before it sells out! Prefer to shop online? Browse all our products here.
Don’t forget often-missed areas like the ears, hairline, neck, and the backs of your hands. Daily, consistent use of sunscreen is a habit that can protect your skin for life.
2. Seek Shade During Peak Hours
The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when possible.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts made from UPF-rated fabric can significantly reduce your exposure.
4. Don’t Skip Cloudy Days
Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. Make sunscreen part of your daily routine, even when it’s overcast.
5. Avoid Tanning Beds
Tanning beds expose your skin to concentrated UV radiation, significantly increasing your risk for all types of skin cancer.
Get to Know Your Skin and Your Risk
One of the most important ways to stay ahead of skin cancer is by knowing what’s normal for your skin and scheduling regular skin checks. At Mosaic Dermatology in West Fargo, we do full-body skin exams that allow us to detect early warning signs of skin cancer, often before they become visible to the untrained eye.
You should schedule a skin check if you notice:
- A mole that changes size, shape, or color
- A new growth or bump that bleeds or doesn’t heal
- A spot that itches, hurts, or looks different from the others
- It’s been over 12 months since your last check
Take Action This UV Awareness Month
July is the perfect time to develop sun-safe habits that protect your skin year-round. Make sure to monitor your own skin, and if it’s been more than a year since your last skin exam (or if you’ve never had one), now’s the time to schedule! You can schedule an appointment online or by calling 701-941-3100.