As temperatures climb across the U.S. this summer, experts are once again urging Americans to take sun safety seriously. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States. Yet, with a few smart habits and the right products, many cases are preventable.
The 2025 Skin Cancer Landscape
Skin cancer remains alarmingly common. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with it every day in the U.S.
While basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most frequently diagnosed types, melanoma, the most serious form, is on the rise. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 100,000 new melanoma cases will be diagnosed in 2025.
What's New in 2025: FDA Oversight and Sunscreen Innovation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to update its guidance on sun protection products. Recent initiatives focus on:
- Stronger safety data requirements for sunscreen ingredients
- Improved labeling so consumers understand what their sunscreen can (and can’t) do
- Encouraging innovation in UV-blocking formulas, including mineral-based sunscreens and daily-use moisturizers with SPF
The FDA has also cracked down on misleading products, especially dietary supplements claiming to offer sun protection, which remain unproven and potentially dangerous. As the FDA makes clear: There is no pill or supplement that can replace sunscreen.
“Don’t be fooled by gimmicks. Sunscreen, clothing, and smart sun habits are your best defense,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner Dr. Namandjé Bumpus in a May 2025 statement.
Sun Safety Tips That Still Matter
Despite advances in research and regulation, the best ways to protect your skin haven’t changed much, and they’re easier to follow than you might think. The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention continues to promote “Don’t Fry Day” each May (this year it fell on May 23, 2025) with a clear list of smart habits:
Groupon Pharmacy Savings’s 2025 Sun Safety Checklist:
- Avoid intentional tanning (beds or outdoors)
- Stay in the shade, especially between 10am and 4pm
- Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UPF-rated fabrics
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days
- Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming, sweating, or towel drying
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays
- Be extra cautious near reflective surfaces like water, snow, and sand
How To Pick The Right Sunglasses
Wearing the right sunglasses isn’t just about comfort or style, it's a critical part of UV protection. Prolonged sun exposure without proper eye protection can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyelids.
Look for sunglasses labeled as offering 100% UVA and UVB protection. Wraparound styles or larger lenses offer even better coverage by limiting light exposure from the sides. Bonus: they also help reduce squinting and eye strain on bright days.
Investing in high-quality sunglasses is a smart, long-term step toward protecting both your vision and the delicate skin around your eyes.
What About Vitamin D?
Some people worry sunscreen use might block vitamin D production. But most dermatologists agree: you can get the vitamin D you need through food or supplements without risking sun damage. Fatty fish, fortified foods, and a daily multivitamin are much safer than a sunburn.
The Bottom Line
Skin cancer is preventable, and protection starts with awareness. By choosing the right products, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothing, and building a few simple habits into your day, you can enjoy the sun safely all summer long.
Looking for trusted sun care and wellness essentials? Explore the Groupon Pharmacy Savings health platform for smart tips, affordable products, and ways to protect your health year-round.
