Melanoma Prevention Tips for Memorial Day Weekend: Stay Sun Safe This Summer

As Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the unofficial start of summer, many of us are gearing up for hikes, gardening, backyard barbecues, and beach days. But as you grab your swimsuit and sandals, don’t forget the most important summer accessory: sun protection.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and melanoma, the most serious form, has been increasing in recent years, especially among young adults. Fortunately, the right precautions may help lower your risk.

Why Sun Protection Matters This Memorial Day Weekend

A Memorial Weekend bash or other holiday tradition means more time outdoors, and more sun exposure means greater risk of UV damage. And while everyone loves a sunny weekend, overexposure, especially without sunscreen or protective clothing, can increase your long-term risk of developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer.

Who’s Most at Risk for Melanoma?

Anyone can develop melanoma, but certain factors increase your risk:

• Fair skin, light eyes, and blond or red hair

• History of sunburns (especially in childhood)

• Tanning bed use

• Multiple or irregular moles

• Family history of melanoma

• Weakened immune system

Melanoma is more common in adults over 50, but it is also diagnosed in young women between ages 25-35.

There's another reason to explore your family history. There's evidence from studies of families with skin cancer syndromes that some genetic traits put you at increased risk for melanoma. If you have a parent, sibling, or child who has had melanoma, tell your doctor about it. He or she might recommend that you see a dermatologist for more frequent skin exams.

A tanning bed? According to a 2012 BMJ meta-analysis by Boniol and colleagues, using a sunbed increases your risk of developing melanoma, and you’re even more likely to do so if you start tanning before age 35. So if you’ve ever sat in one, make sure to let your doctor know at your next dermatology appointment.

How to Prevent Skin Cancer: Smart Sun Safety Habits

Taking a few proactive steps may help lower your melanoma risk:

• Use sunscreen daily - Choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30+

• Reapply regularly - Every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming/sweating

• Wear protective clothing - Long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses

• Avoid peak UV hours - Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Skip tanning beds - Indoor tanning is associated with a higher melanoma risk

• Do monthly self-exams - Watch for new or changing moles using the ABCDE rule

• Schedule annual dermatologist visits - Especially if you’re high-risk

The ABCDE rule is a way to help you identify a suspicious mole yourself. "A" stands for asymmetry: when one half of a mole does not resemble the other. "B" is for border, if the borders are irregular, notched, or blurred. "C" is for color, meaning a mole with different colors or areas with different shades. "D" is for diameter, which can be larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser). And "E" is for evolution: Any change in the size, shape or color of a mole. If you see these characteristics, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your dermatologist.

"Broad-spectrum" on a label means the sunscreen is designed to help protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Mineral formulas use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, the two active ingredients the FDA has proposed as generally recognized as safe and effective. Use enough to cover every bit of exposed skin. Ears, the back of your neck and the tops of your feet are easy to miss.

Favorite Sunscreens at Village Green Apothecary

We’ve selected sunscreens with cleaner ingredient lists that pair with serious sun protection. Perfect for sensitive skin and everyday wear!

Badger SPF 30 Active Mineral Sunscreen

Water-resistant, great for hiking and beach days. Made with clean ingredients like zinc oxide and sunflower oil.

MyChelle Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50

Lightweight with antioxidant-rich coverage, ideal under makeup. Contains zinc oxide and botanicals.

MyChelle Sun Shield Stick SPF 50

Mineral-based, water resistant sunscreen glides on smoothly and delivers powerful UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection. Avocado, Jojoba and Vitamin E Oils moisturize and protect skin. Lightly tinted for a neutral finish. Also available in non tinted. 

Babo Botanicals Baby sunscreen SPF 50

Fragrance-free, family-friendly, gentle, and perfect for babies and sensitive skin types.

Protect Your Skin, And Your Future

Melanoma may be on the rise, but so is awareness. Use Memorial Weekend 2026 as your reminder to protect your skin, educate your loved ones, and make sun safety a part of your routine. By practicing sun safety and using trusted, non-toxic products, you can enjoy the Memorial Weekend holiday and all the fun of summer while protecting your future health.

Stop by Village Green Apothecary or shop online to explore our full line of mineral sunscreens, antioxidant-rich skincare, and other essentials for a healthy, sun-safe season.

Summer Skin Starts with Smart Choices, We're Here to Help.

Our team at Village Green Apothecary can help you choose the safest, most effective sun care and skin support products for your needs. Book a personalized consultation today to get expert advice on sun protection and skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weekend is Memorial weekend 2026?

Memorial Day will be observed on the last Monday of May. This year, that’s Monday, May 25, so the weekend stretches from Saturday, May 23 until Monday, May 25. Since most folks take off on Friday, some might not have their sunscreen out yet!

When memorial weekend?

Memorial Weekend is always the last weekend in May, and it ends with Memorial Day on Monday. In 2026, it falls on May 23 to 25. It's the unofficial start of summer, and UV levels are usually climbing by then. That makes it a good time to restock your sunscreen and check your hats and sunglasses.

What are the ABCDE rule signs for melanoma in moles?

The ABCDE rule is a simple way to check a mole yourself. "A" is asymmetry, when one half does not look like the other. "B" is border, meaning irregular, notched, or blurred edges. "C" is color, with different colors or shades in one mole. "D" is diameter, larger than 6 mm, about the size of a pencil eraser. "E" is evolution, any change in size, shape, or color. If you see these signs, make an appointment with your dermatologist.

Does using a tanning bed increase your risk of melanoma?

Yes. A 2012 BMJ meta-analysis by Boniol and colleagues found that using a sunbed increases your risk of developing melanoma. The risk is even higher if you start tanning before age 35. That is why Village Green lists skipping tanning beds as one of its sun safety habits. If you have ever used one, be sure to tell your doctor at your next dermatology appointment.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.