--- description: Resolving to take better care of your skin is a great place to start improving your health. Here are three steps to help lower skin cancer risk. title: "A Sun Smart Resolution: Three Ways to Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk in 2026 - The Skin Cancer Foundation" image: https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1765554291-scaled.jpg --- ![Sun \& Skin News]() # A Sun Smart Resolution: Three Ways to Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk in 2026 By [Ali Venosa](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/author/avenosa/) • Published On: January 4, 2026 • Last Updated: January 5, 2026 ![](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-2223917810-1024x683.jpg) Photo: Getty Images #### Have you decided on a New Year’s Resolution yet? It’s not too late! Resolving to take better care of your skin is a great place to start improving your health: after all, it is the body’s largest organ. Even though [skin cance](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/)r is the world’s most common cancer — [one in five Americans](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/) will develop the disease — it is also highly preventable. Here are three steps to take in 2026 to help lower [skin cancer risk](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/). ![]() ### **1. Cover Up** [Clothing](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/) is the best defense against skin cancer, and the more skin you can cover, the better. But not all clothing is created equally: tight-knit fabrics (like denim) and synthetic materials (like polyester) offer better sun protection than loosely-woven fabrics and natural materials. Wear a [broad-brimmed hat](http://skincancer.org/blog/search-perfect-hat/) to protect your face, head and neck. To [protect your eyes](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/eye-protection/) and the sensitive skin around them, wear UV-blocking sunglasses. ![sunscreen\_application]() ### **2. Use Sunscreen Every Day** One study has shown that daily use of an SPF (sun protection factor) 15 or higher [sunscreen](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/) reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent when used as directed. Sunscreens come in many formulas — including sprays, lotions and oils — so everyone can find one that fits their lifestyle. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for daily use. For extended outdoor activity, choose a water-resistant, broad spectrum formula with an SPF of 50 or higher. Apply one ounce of sunscreen to your body 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. When shopping for safe, effective sunscreen products, seek The Skin Cancer Foundation [Seal of Recommendation.](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/seal-of-recommendation/) ![Self\_exam]() ### **3. Check in With Your Skin** Skin cancers can be disfiguring and even deadly if allowed to progress. That’s why [early detection](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/) is so important — skin cancer is very treatable if detected in its early stages. The estimated five-year survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early is about 99 percent. The survival rate falls to 75 percent when the disease reaches the lymph nodes and 35 percent when the disease metastasizes to distant organs. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends [examining your skin](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/) from head-to-toe monthly, and seeing a dermatologist once a year for a [professional skin exam](http://skincancer.org/blog/annual-skin-exam/). If you spot anything new, changing or unusual, make an appointment to see your doctor right away. With just a few adjustments to your lifestyle, you can help lower your skin cancer risk and slow down skin aging caused by the sun. From all of us here at The Skin Cancer Foundation, we wish you a happy and healthy 2026! ##### Categories - [Ask the Expert](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/ask-the-expert/) - [Child Sun Safety](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/child-sun-safety/) - [Destination Healthy Skin](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/destination-healthy-skin/) - [Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/healthy-lifestyle/) - [Inside The Skin Cancer Foundation](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/inside-the-skin-cancer-foundation/) - [Monthly Newsletter](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/enews/) - [News & Research](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/news-research/) - [Skin Cancer Awareness Month](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-awareness-month/) - [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-information/) - [Skin Cancer Myths & Misinformation](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-myths-misinformation/) - [Skin of Color](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-of-color/) - [Tanning](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/tanning/) - [The Big See](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/the-big-see/) - [The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/the-skin-cancer-foundation-journal/) - [This Is Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/true-stories/) - [Why We Give](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/why-we-give/) ##### Follow Us [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/skincancerfoundation) [![x logo]()](http://twitter.com/SkinCancerOrg) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skin-cancer-foundation/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/skincancerorg/) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/skincancerorg/) [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/user/SkinCancerFoundation) ##### [Sign up for newsletter](https://www.skincancer.org/newsletter-sign-up/)   ##### Popular Posts - [Ask the Expert: Does a High SPF Protect My Skin Better?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/) - [Why Does My Skin Peel When I Get Sunburned, and What Should I Do About It?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/why-does-my-skin-peel-when-i-get-sunburned/) - [DIY Don’ts: Why At-Home Mole Removal Is a Bad Idea](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/diy-donts-why-at-home-mole-removal-is-a-bad-idea/) - [Amelanotic Melanoma: It Doesn’t Look Like Other Melanomas](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/amelanotic-melanoma-it-doesnt-look-like-other-melanomas/) - [Ask the Expert: Painful Moles](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-expert-painful-moles/) - [How Dangerous is Melanoma? It’s All a Matter of Timing](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/dangerous-melanoma-matter-timing/) - [Sun Protection and Vitamin D](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sun-protection-and-vitamin-d/) ![]() [![candid logo]()](https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/248c6aa7-9ca9-4489-81b8-69bd7ed2f3d5) Open menu Menu Close menu SearchSearch ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/"},"author":{"name":"Ali Venosa","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#\/schema\/person\/2aeafb81ca97d6bd209b36c21bf21ef4"},"headline":"A Sun Smart Resolution: Three Ways to Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk in 2026","datePublished":"2026-01-04T16:34:04+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-05T20:49:43+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/"},"wordCount":449,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/GettyImages-2223917810.jpg","keywords":["2025 resolutions","healthy skin","new years resolutions","Prevention","skin cancer early detection","skin cancer prevention","skin care tips"],"articleSection":["Healthy Lifestyle"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/","name":"Three Ways to Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk in 2026","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/GettyImages-2223917810.jpg","datePublished":"2026-01-04T16:34:04+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-05T20:49:43+00:00","description":"Resolving to take better care of your skin is a great place to start improving your health. Here are three steps to help lower skin cancer risk.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/GettyImages-2223917810.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/GettyImages-2223917810.jpg","width":1920,"height":1280,"caption":"New year resolutions 2026 on desk. 2026 resolutions list with notebook, coffee cup on table. Goals, resolutions, plan, action, checklist concept. New Year 2026 template, copy space"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/a-sun-smart-resolution\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-foundation-blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"A Sun Smart Resolution: Three Ways to Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk in 2026"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/","name":"The Skin Cancer Foundation","description":"Education, prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin cancer","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#organization","name":"The Skin Cancer Foundation","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/SCF-Logo-2025-4C.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/SCF-Logo-2025-4C.png","width":1199,"height":1254,"caption":"The Skin Cancer Foundation"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/skincancerfoundation","https:\/\/x.com\/skincancerorg","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/skincancerorg\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-skin-cancer-foundation\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/skincancer\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/SkinCancerFoundation","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skin_Cancer_Foundation","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@skincancerorg"],"description":"The Skin Cancer Foundation saves and improves lives. We empower people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer.","email":"info@skincancer.org","telephone":"(212) 725-5176","legalName":"The Skin Cancer Foundation"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#\/schema\/person\/2aeafb81ca97d6bd209b36c21bf21ef4","name":"Ali Venosa","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1710e9b1c191e8cfd92e77670f3c858fa69c52f212b311959db67cc1028c6ce0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1710e9b1c191e8cfd92e77670f3c858fa69c52f212b311959db67cc1028c6ce0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1710e9b1c191e8cfd92e77670f3c858fa69c52f212b311959db67cc1028c6ce0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Ali Venosa"},"description":"Ali is the Program Manager for The Skin Cancer Foundation. She is originally from Upstate New York, but relocated to Manhattan after graduating from Lehigh University. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2016, Ali worked as a health and science journalist, covering everything from neuroscience to fitness fads. When she’s not busy managing Destination Healthy Skin, she’s probably reading a fantasy novel, sampling the pasta at a local restaurant or planning her next trip.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/author\/avenosa\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/author\/avenosa\/"}]} ```