Día de No Freír: Protege tu piel bajo el sol de Arizona
TMC Health
·
05/22/2026
We love a sunny day, but in Southern Arizona, that sun hits different.
Fun in the sun is great, just not when your skin ends up feeling a little too well done.
Fun in the sun is great, just not when your skin ends up feeling a little too well done.
Don’t Fry Day is your reminder to soak up the sunshine, not the damage.
Why sun safety matters
Living in Southern Arizona means sunshine is part of daily life. But too much exposure to ultraviolet rays can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
Sun exposure builds over time. Even everyday moments, like walking to your car or running errands, can add up.
Too much UV exposure can:
- Cause sunburn
- Speed up skin aging
- Increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma
The good news: skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
Five easy ways to protect your skin
You do not have to stay indoors to stay safe. These simple steps can help:
Use sunscreen every day
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Apply 15 minutes before going outside
- Reapply every two hours, or more often if you sweat or swim
- Cover all exposed skin, including ears, lips, scalp and feet
And by every day, we mean even on cloudy days! UV rays are present on cloudy days too.
Seek shade when you can
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Plan outdoor time in the early morning or evening
- Take breaks in the shade throughout the day
Wear protective clothing
- Lightweight long sleeves or pants
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses that block UV rays
Clothing provides a layer of protection that does not wear off.
Avoid tanning—indoors and outdoors
A tan may seem harmless, but it is a sign of skin damage.
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps
- Protect your natural skin tone instead
Check your skin regularly
Early detection matters.
- Watch for new or changing spots or moles
- Talk with your provider about anything unusual
When found early, skin cancer is often easier to treat.
A simple way to remember
Before heading outside, think:
- Slip on a shirt
- Slop on sunscreen
- Slap on a hat
- Wrap on sunglasses
Protect your skin year-round
Don’t Fry Day is a helpful reminder, but sun safety should be part of your routine every day. UV rays are present year-round, even when it is cloudy.
Small steps can make a big difference. Protecting your skin today helps lower your risk of skin cancer in the future.
When to get checked
If you notice a new spot, a mole that is changing, or anything that does not look or feel right, do not wait—talk with your provider. Trust your instincts when something seems off.
And if you ever need specialized care, the team at TMC Health Cancer Center is here for you. From prevention and screening to diagnosis and treatment, we are here to support you every step of the way.
