What You Can Do to Prevent Skin Cancer and Minimize Recurrence
- Milley Carrol, MBA, MHC
- Sep 20, 2025
- 6 min read
Skin cancer prevention is not just a list of chores, but an ongoing dialogue with your skin, exploring how to build a healthy relationship with the sun for lifelong wellness.
This article is all about transforming the way we think about skin cancer prevention, moving from a fear-based checklist to a compassionate, daily practice of self-care.
Takeaways
View sun protection as an act of self-care and respect for your body, not as a fear-based chore.
Understanding and choosing the right sunscreen is the first step in this practice.
Creating physical barriers with clothing and shade is a powerful form of protection.
A past diagnosis is not a final verdict, but an invitation to practice wiser care going forward.
The most effective strategy is a mindful relationship with the sun, honoring its power and our vulnerability.
The sun is a source of life, warmth, and joy. Our relationship with it is deep and primal. But how do we honor that relationship while also protecting the health of our skin, our body’s largest organ? This article matters because it invites you to move beyond a checklist of rules and instead cultivate a compassionate, ongoing dialogue with your skin. It’s about transforming sun protection from a chore into a meaningful practice of self-care and advocacy for your own long-term health.
Introduction
I often think about the stories our bodies tell. Our skin, in particular, holds a map of our lives—of joyful days spent outdoors, of moments of carelessness, and sometimes, of healing. When we talk about skin cancer, the conversation can quickly become clinical and frightening. But what if we approached it from a place of curiosity and care? What if we saw sun protection not as a series of restrictions, but as a developmental process of learning to live wisely and respectfully with the powerful sun? This exploration is about that shift. It’s a guide to understanding the simple, profound ways we can protect our skin, whether we are preventing a first diagnosis or mindfully preventing a recurrence.
The Daily Practice of Protection: A Conversation About Sunscreen
The first step in this dialogue is understanding our tools. Think of sunscreen not as a thick, inconvenient lotion, but as a thoughtful boundary you set for your skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential, as it protects you from two types of solar radiation: UVA, which is closely linked to skin cancer, and UVB, which causes sunburns. From a developmental perspective, each sunburn is a harsh lesson from the sun; experts believe these lessons accumulate, increasing our risk of melanoma.
The Daily Practice of Protection: A Conversation About Sunscreen
The first step in this dialogue is understanding our tools. Think of sunscreen not as a thick, inconvenient lotion, but as a thoughtful boundary you set for your skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential, as it protects you from two types of solar radiation: UVA, which is closely linked to skin cancer, and UVB, which causes sunburns. From a developmental perspective, each sunburn is a harsh lesson from the sun; experts believe these lessons accumulate, increasing our risk of melanoma.
You’ll find two basic types of sunscreen, each with a different approach:
Chemical sunscreens act like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays.
Mineral sunscreens act as a physical shield, blocking the rays.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends an SPF of 30 or higher. It’s easy to get lost in the numbers, but the difference between high SPFs is smaller than you might think: SPF 30 filters about 97% of harmful rays, while SPF 50 filters 98%. The most important step isn't choosing the highest number, but in the consistent, mindful application. The AAD suggests a full ounce—enough to fill a shot glass—to cover your body, applied 15 minutes before you go out and then every two hours. This isn’t a rule to be memorized, but a rhythm to be learned—a ritual of care for your skin.
Creating a Haven: The Architecture of Clothing and Shade
As effective as sunscreen is, it’s only one part of our conversation. No sunscreen is a perfect barrier. That's why building a physical haven for your skin is such a powerful act of protection.
Hats: A wide-brimmed hat is a beautiful and simple way to grant your face, ears, and neck a sanctuary from direct sun. Think of it not as just an accessory, but as your own personal patch of shade. A baseball cap, while popular, leaves the vulnerable neck and ears exposed.
Clothing: Any tightly woven fabric can serve as a barrier. But for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, specially designed sun-protective clothing is a wonderful innovation, offering reliable protection that doesn't wear off.
Mindful Timing: Perhaps the most profound act of respect for the sun is acknowledging its power. Its rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Shifting our outdoor time to the early morning or later afternoon isn't about avoiding life; it's about choosing to engage with the world when the sun's energy is gentler.
Think of your sun protection strategy like building a house. Sunscreen is the paint that protects the walls, but clothing, hats, and shade are the roof and deep eaves that provide the most fundamental structure of safety.
The Journey After a Diagnosis: Responding with Wisdom, Not Fear
I often hear a sense of resignation from people who have already had skin cancer. There's a common feeling that "the damage is already done," so why bother now? This is one of the most important moments to practice self-compassion.
A past diagnosis is part of your skin's story. It is a profound lesson. While it's true that past sun exposure is often responsible for recurrences, it is equally true that your actions today can protect you from new damage and new cancers. This isn't about erasing the past. It’s about honoring the wisdom it gave you. Every single day offers a new opportunity to make a compassionate choice for your skin. Reducing your sun exposure now is the single most important thing you can do—an act of profound advocacy for your future health. It's a way of telling your body, "I am listening now. I will care for you."
Summary
Protecting your skin is a deeply personal and developmental journey. It begins by reframing the practice from one of fear to one of compassionate care. By mindfully choosing and applying sunscreen, creating physical havens with clothing and shade, and honoring the sun's power by being mindful of the time of day, you engage in a daily dialogue of respect with your skin. And if your journey includes a past diagnosis, view it not as a final chapter, but as the moment you learned to become the wisest, most dedicated advocate for your own well-being.
Final Thought
Our skin carries us through the world and holds the story of our lives. Caring for it is one of the most fundamental ways we can honor our own journey. May your relationship with the sun be one of joy, wisdom, and gentle, persistent care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mineral or chemical sunscreen better for sensitive skin?
Many dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreens (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) for sensitive skin, as they sit on top of the skin and are less likely to cause irritation than chemical sunscreens, which are absorbed.
Does my makeup with SPF provide enough protection?
While it's better than nothing, it's generally not sufficient for primary sun protection. We rarely apply enough makeup to achieve the SPF number on the label, and it's not always broad-spectrum. It's best to apply a dedicated sunscreen underneath.
How do I reapply sunscreen over makeup?
This is a common challenge! Powder sunscreens with SPF are a great option for dusting on over makeup. There are also setting sprays with SPF that can be spritzed on throughout the day.
I have a darker skin tone. Do I still need to worry about skin cancer?
Yes. While skin cancer is more common in individuals with lighter skin, it can affect anyone of any skin tone. Additionally, when it does occur in people of color, it is often diagnosed at a later, more dangerous stage. Protection is essential for everyone.
After a skin cancer diagnosis, how often should I see a dermatologist? Your doctor will recommend a specific follow-up schedule, but it's common for patients with a history of skin cancer to have full-body skin exams once or twice a year to monitor for any new or recurring spots.
About Milley Carrol, MBA, MHC
I'm a BioLife Health Research Center healthcare business analyst focused on optimizing medical processes and patient care systems. I lead teams to streamline operations, from patient flow to health records management. My expertise lies in developing cost-effective solutions that enhance healthcare efficiency. I aim to improve patient outcomes and organizational performance in healthcare by applying data-driven insights.
The health tips on this website are for informational purposes only, and they are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
