Don’t Fry Day is May 27th

What is Don’t Fry Day?

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day” to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention and to encourage everyone to protect their skin as they head outdoors to kick off the summer season. The National Council is the united voice of 40 organizations, associations, and agencies dedicated to skin cancer prevention in the United States.

Who is the National Council for Skin Cancer Prevention?

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has been a trusted resource for the nation’s skin cancer prevention community since 1998. Today, The National Council stands as a united voice to prevent skin cancer through education, advocacy and raising awareness.

Make sunscreen part of your daily routine:

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher for protection from UVA and UVB radiation
Apply 30 minutes before going outdoors
Reapply every two hours or more frequently if sweating or in water

Wear protective clothing:

A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Long-sleeved shirt and pants
UPF clothing or use a UPF additive in your washer
Bonus: a facial covering will protect you from the sun and COVID-19

Be smart around the sun:

Stay out of the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM; this is when the sun’s rays are the strongest
Seek shade when possible from an umbrella, tree, or other shade structure
Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand. These surfaces reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn
Check the UV index before heading outside and protect your skin accordingly

Do not burn or tan:

Never tan intentionally
Do not use tanning beds
Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and premature aging

Doing one of these practices is helpful; doing more is even better and will provide you with more protection. It is especially important to protect children from the harmful effects of the sun because sunburns during childhood increase the risk of getting skin cancer later in life. Be a positive role model!