August is summer's last gasp, beckoning us to take full advantage of outdoor activities before we resume fall and winter routines. It's also Summer Sun Safety Month, a reminder that while summer may be winding down, the sun's UV rays remain strong—so before you get tempted to soak up every ray you possibly can, renew a commitment to your skin to prioritize its protection. Long-term sun exposure can lead to skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. With a few simple habits and regular skin checks, you can reduce your risk and stay sun-safe this month, and year-round.

Basic Sun Smarts

A basic first step to begin, or renew, smart sun habits is a familiar one: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days or if spending your indoor time near windows. Don't forget to reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating—and if it's been in your cabinet for a year or more, be sure to check the expiration date.

Additional measures include:

• Wear light-colored protective clothing. Look for clothing that offers SPF protection; you can now find long-sleeved shirts and long pants made with breathable fabrics that can help you keep cool in addition to offering sun protection.
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
• Add a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors for extended periods.
• Try to avoid peak sun hours for your geographical region when UV rays are strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Some highly vulnerable but commonly missed spots for sunscreen application are the tops of your ears, scalp, feet, and back of the neck.

Get to Know Your Skin

Your next smart habit to develop is self-examination. Set aside time once a month to perform a head-to-toe skin self-exam in a well-lit room with a full-length and hand mirror. Look for new moles or changes in existing ones, especially those that itch, bleed, or change in size, shape, or color. If you have a friend, family member, or partner available, you can help one another exam hard-to-view areas.

If you spot a mole you're unsure about, the ABCDE rule can help you evaluate whether you should see a healthcare provider:

• Asymmetry—One half doesn't match the other.‍
• Border—Edges are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.‍
• Color—Uneven shades of tan, brown, black, or even white, red, or blue.‍
• Diameter—Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).‍
• Evolving—Any change in size, shape, elevation, or symptoms such as bleeding or itching.

Remember, early detection is key to treating skin cancer effectively.

Understanding Melanoma

Melanoma accounts for only 1% of skin cancers in the U.S. but is responsible for the most skin cancer deaths. The good news is it is highly treatable when caught early. It typically develops from existing moles but can also appear as new growths. It may occur anywhere on the body, even in places that rarely see the sun—like the soles of your feet or even under fingernails.

There are four main types of melanoma:

• Superficial spreading (most common; spreads out before penetrating deep)‍
• Nodular (more aggressive; appears as a raised bump)‍
• Lentigo maligna (usually in older adults on sun-damaged skin)‍
• Acral lentiginous (less common; appears on palms, soles, or under nails)

If you notice anything unusual, don't wait—schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or a dermatologist. A skin biopsy is typically used to confirm a diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

While Summer Sun Safety Month is a good time to develop smart skin habits, don't let those habits fade with the summer sun. Sun care is a year-round commitment to protect your skin, know what to look for, and talk to your doctor about whether an annual professional skin check makes sense. Your skin is your largest organ; doesn't it make sense to treat it with the best possible care?