Protect the Skin You’re In: What You Need to Know This Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—and at The Skin Clinic, it’s an opportunity to pause and talk about something that truly impacts all of us: sun safety and skin health.

As a nurse and aesthetic provider, I care deeply about helping clients feel confident in their skin—but that confidence means very little if we aren’t also protecting it. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, but the good news is: it’s also one of the most preventable. With the right habits and education, you can protect your skin today and for years to come.

Why Sun Protection Matters

Sun damage doesn’t always show up right away. It builds over time, often below the surface, and can eventually lead to everything from premature aging and pigmentation to more serious issues like skin cancer.

If you’re someone who loves skincare, wears SPF most days, and avoids tanning beds—you’re already on the right path. But Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to review your habits and tighten up where needed.

My Top Skin Protection Tips

1. Always wear sunscreen.
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable—even on cloudy days or when you're mostly indoors. UV rays can pass through clouds and windows, making daily protection a must.

2. Cover up when you can.
Wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing adds another layer of defence, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

3. Don’t forget your lips and ears.
These areas are often missed but highly vulnerable to sun damage. Use an SPF lip balm and be sure to apply sunscreen to your ears—including the tops.

4. Use Vitamin C to boost your protection.
Topical Vitamin C doesn’t replace SPF, but it works alongside it to help neutralize free radical damage from UV exposure and pollution. It’s one of my favourite ways to support long-term skin health.

5. Be cautious after treatments.
After treatments like laser, microneedling, or retinol-based skincare, your skin is more photosensitive. Take extra care with sun exposure and stay consistent with SPF.

6. Check your skin monthly.
Use the ABCDE rule to monitor moles and freckles:
Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, and Evolution (changes over time). If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait—book a professional skin check.

Support Your Skin—Now and Later

At The Skin Clinic, we focus on long-term skin health, not just quick results. Whether you’re coming in for a glow-up treatment or shopping for skincare, sun protection is always part of the conversation. And if you’ve recently had laser treatments, microneedling, or are using retinol, it's especially important to protect your results with smart, everyday SPF habits.

If you're unsure where to start or need help finding a routine that works for your skin, I’d love to help. Book a consultation, send me a message, or stop by the clinic—we’re always here to guide you with honest, expert advice.