Friday, November 13, 2026
November is National Healthy Skin Month, an observance promoted by the American Academy of Dermatology to encourage proper skin care and awareness of skin cancer risks. Glen Cove dermatologist Dr. Eve Lupenko has emphasized the importance of year-round sun protection, choosing effective sunscreen and recognizing factors that contribute to skin damage.
Choosing the right sunscreen
Choose a sunscreen labeled broad spectrum, since they protect against UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays. UVA exposure contributes to premature aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn; both can contribute to skin cancer.
Clothing as additional protection
Sunscreen is only one part of protecting skin from ultraviolet exposure. Clothing, shade and accessories such as wide-brimmed hats can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the skin, but not all fabrics offer equal protection.
“A white T-shirt only gives you about an SPF of four,” Lupenko said. “That’s barely anything. If you’re going to use clothing for sun protection, wear dark or brightly colored fabrics — or, better yet, clothes labeled with a UPF rating of 50 or more.”
UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor, a measurement used for clothing and other fabrics. Higher ratings indicate that less ultraviolet radiation passes through the material.
People spending extended periods outdoors should also seek shade when possible.
Skin protection matters year-round
National Healthy Skin Month takes place in November, but skin protection remains important throughout the year. Ultraviolet radiation can reach the skin in colder weather, and clouds do not block all damaging rays.
“Even cloudy days and cold months contribute to skin damage,” Lupenko told the Herald. “And for many people, the risk is compounded by genetics. Melanoma can run in families.”
Family history is one reason to discuss personal skin cancer risk with a dermatologist. People should also watch for new or changing spots and seek medical evaluation for concerning changes.
“You’d be surprised how many people avoid sunscreen because it feels sticky or burns their eyes,” Lupenko said.
