National Safe Sun Week educates Americans on vital sun protection practices every year during the week before Memorial Day. Founded by MedStar Health, this observance raises awareness about the dangers of sun exposure and the importance of preventing skin cancer. Learn about proper sunscreen use, protective clothing, and safe outdoor habits to enjoy the summer responsibly.
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Expected National Safe Sun Week Deals
As a cause-driven observance, National Safe Sun Week focuses on education and fundraising rather than commercial deals. However, many brands align with the cause through donation matching and awareness campaigns. Organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology often partner with companies like Neutrogena and Coppertone to promote safe sun practices and fund research. Look for special promotions on sunscreens, UPF clothing, and educational materials from brands like Supergoop!, Coola, and La Roche-Posay, where a portion of proceeds may benefit skin cancer prevention initiatives. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as May approaches.
Platform Guide for National Safe Sun Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SafeSunWeek. Share your favorite sun-safe selfies or educational infographics about UV protection.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SafeSunWeek. Join community discussions on skin health and share personal sun safety tips.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #SafeSunWeek. Share quick facts about UV index, retweet prevention tips, and engage with health organizations.
National Safe Sun Week Hero
Dr. Albert Kligman
History of National Safe Sun Week
Once summer rolls around, and the glorious heat comes in, we all become so accustomed to seeing tens of thousands of our friends and neighbors flock to the beaches to kick off the summer over Memorial Day weekend. While it is always exciting to see so many people exercising and enjoying the outdoors, National Safe Sun Week encourages all of this fun while at the same time reminding people how important it is to stay safe and protect themselves against the sun.
It was against this backdrop of caring for and educating others on “Safe Sun” behavior that National Safe Sun Week was created by MedStar Health. The holiday embodies a “care for the whole person” approach and is a week devoted to open and honest communication about sun protection.
The first step in educating those in our community on how to protect their skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays is reminding others to get an annual skin check, as well as providing warning signs and advice on how to avoid other sun-related risks such as heatstroke, dehydration, and when it’s time to call the doctor.
Spending all day on the beach may sound like a dream, but many of us have seen firsthand the impact that the sun can have on the local community. Skin cancer is a very real danger. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States. New cases of potentially deadly melanoma, a common type of skin cancer, doubled between 1982 and 2011. The CDC suggests that, by using community prevention programs, an estimated 21,000 new cases of melanoma could be avoided each year.
Supporting your local community is at the heart of National Safe Sun Week. After all, it’s with the people in our community that we’ll be soaking up the sun and basking in the lazy days at the beach. We should work together to raise awareness and encourage people to remain safe and protected against the sun while they’re enjoying it.
National Safe Sun Week timeline
The ancient Egyptians, in an attempt to preserve their beauty and attractiveness, use rice bran and jasmine, to protect their skin from the heat of the sun.
Dr. Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laennec, later known as the inventor of the stethoscope, publishes a lecture on melanoma where he recognises that the lesions he investigated are caused by the cancer cells spreading from an initial tumor site.
Franz Greiter creates the earliest form of sunscreen, calling it Piz Buin after the mountain in the Alps he was climbing when he got sunburnt.
Australian professor Henry Lancaster discovers that exposure to the sun is a high-risk factor in the development of melanomas, the most common form of skin cancer.
New research is being done to look into a potential surgery-free treatment, called high dose rate brachytherapy, as an option for some people suffering from skin cancer.
National Sun Safe Week is established by MedStar Health to raise awareness of the best practices to follow when it comes to sun exposure.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Safe Sun Week
Local businesses can champion National Safe Sun Week by hosting educational events or offering special promotions on sun-safe products. Pharmacies and beauty stores can create prominent displays for sunscreens, UPF clothing, and wide-brimmed hats, perhaps offering a discount for the week. Salons and spas can provide consultations on skin health and recommend products that protect against UV damage. Restaurants with outdoor seating can ensure ample shade and provide complimentary sunscreen samples to patrons, reinforcing a commitment to customer well-being.
National Safe Sun Week FAQs
When is National Safe Sun Week?
In 2027, National Safe Sun Week will be observed from Monday, May 24 through Sunday, May 30. It’s perfectly timed to prepare for Memorial Day weekend and the start of warmer weather.
How many people are affected by skin cancer annually?
Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the United States, with an estimated 9,500 people in the U.S. diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Early detection and prevention through sun safety are critical for reducing these numbers.
What are the most effective forms of sun protection?
Combining multiple sun protection strategies offers the best defense against harmful UV rays. This means not only applying sunscreen generously and frequently but also incorporating physical barriers like long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially when spending extended time outdoors.
Is skin cancer preventable?
A significant majority of skin cancer cases could be avoided through diligent sun protection. Regular self-skin exams and annual professional skin exams are also vital for early detection, which dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
How To Enjoy National Safe Sun Week
Apply sunscreen
It is suggested, especially during the hotter seasons, to use sunscreen that protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, has an SPF of 30 or higher, and is water-resistant. It is also highly advised to follow what is known as the teaspoon method when applying sunscreen to your body. The guide suggests applying one teaspoon-sized amount of sunscreen to your face and neck, one teaspoon per arm, two teaspoons for your front torso, two for your back, and two for each leg.
Reapply sunscreen
Applying sunscreen once doesn’t mean that you’re fully protected. The longer your skin is exposed to the sun, the higher the risk levels. You should be reapplying sunscreen every two hours.
Wear eye protection
Sunglasses are a great way of protecting your eyes from the sun. Health professionals all stress the importance of ensuring that your sunglasses are up to the job. Ideally, you need to wear sunglasses that block 99% or 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
5 Tips To Avoid Heat Exhaustion
Stay Hydrated
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body starts to lose the ability to regulate its core temperature so staying hydrated is an excellent way of managing your body's temperature and is particularly important when you’re exercising.
Dress appropriately
Make sure that your wardrobe contains an umbrella, sunglasses that block out 99% or 100% of UVA and UVB rays, light-colored and loose-fitting clothes, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Be aware of the time
If you’re outside during the sun’s peak hours (between 10 am and 4 pm) then the heat index is likely to be much higher. Check the heat index online — if it is 90 or above, then it’s recommended that you’re especially careful about how much time you choose to spend outdoors.
Don’t overdo it
Whether you’re drinking alcohol or exercising, it’s best to avoid doing both of these excessively in extreme heat.
Know the signs
Keep an eye out for symptoms of heat exhaustion. These include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, excessive sweating, and nausea. If you think you may be at risk, seek medical assistance immediately.
Why National Safe Sun Week is Important
It sets the tone for the summer
Memorial Day weekend is considered by many in the U.S. to be the start of summer. National Safe Sun Week sets the tone — it enables people to set themselves up for good practices throughout the summer as they seek to make the most of the weather but be safe while doing so.
Awareness leads to prevention
According to the CDC, 21,000 new cases of melanoma could be avoided each year with effective community prevention programs. National Safe Sun Week focuses on getting the important messaging out to the community and empowering people to take appropriate action.
Sun safety has many implications
While skin cancer often gets a lot of attention, sun safety is also important in avoiding other issues such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. National Safe Sun Week shines a light on all of these areas and equips people with the information needed to protect themselves.
National Safe Sun Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 18–24 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2027 | May 24–30 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2028 | May 22–28 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2029 | May 21–27 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2030 | May 20–26 | Monday–Sunday |
Social Media Tips for National Safe Sun Week
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