July is UV Safety Month.
But let’s be honest—most of us don’t think about skin cancer unless we’re at the beach, slathering sunscreen before a family trip or a girls’ getaway.
And even then, some of us still skip the SPF—especially women of color.
But hear me clearly:
This isn’t just about a tan. It’s about your life.
And your glow? It deserves protection every single day.
UV Exposure Is a Silent Threat—And It Doesn’t Discriminate
Skin cancer doesn’t care about your race, your beauty routine, or the weather forecast.
It can develop quietly and go undetected for too long—especially in areas we tend to ignore: under the nails, on the scalp, or even the soles of the feet.
Women often prioritize facial skincare, makeup, and moisturizers—but sun protection? That part’s still too often skipped.
And here’s the truth no one talks about enough :
Black women get skin cancer too.
Latina women get skin cancer too.
Asian women get skin cancer too.
In fact, when it’s diagnosed in melanin-rich women, it’s often found later—and at more dangerous stages.
A Special Note for Melanin-Rich Women
We’ve been told a lie for decades:
“You don’t need sunscreen. Your melanin will protect you.”
While it’s true that darker skin offers some natural protection, it’s not a shield.
It does not make you immune.
Melanin may slow the burn—but it doesn’t erase the risk.
And when misinformation meets late detection, outcomes worsen.
So let me say it louder for the women in the back:
Melanin is not sunscreen.
Skin Care = Self-Care = Survival
Protecting your skin isn’t just a beauty habit—it’s a radical act of self-preservation.
Because your skin isn’t just your outer layer.
It’s your body’s first line of defense. It tells your story. It fights for you.
And it deserves to be fought for in return.
Here’s how you can start today:
Dr. Robyn’s UV Protection Checklist
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily—yes, even when it’s cloudy.
- Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors, sweating, or in water.
- Don’t forget overlooked areas like ears, back of neck, tops of feet, and hands.
- Wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Avoid tanning beds—there’s no such thing as a “safe” tan from artificial light.
- Check your skin monthly for unusual moles, spots, or changes.
- Book an annual skin exam with a dermatologist—early detection saves lives.
You Deserve to Be Covered—Literally.
No matter your shade.
No matter your lifestyle.
No matter what you were told.
You are not too young.
You are not too “protected.”
You are not exempt.
Your skin is sacred. Your glow is precious. And protecting it isn’t vanity—it’s victory.
So this summer—and every season—let’s ditch the myths and walk in truth.
Because loving yourself includes guarding what God gave you.
And while your at it check out Black Girl Sunscreen at https://blackgirlsunscreen.com/ – formulated for people of color, Black Girl Sunscreen is a brand created with black skin & darker skin tones in mind. Sun protection without the white cast.
With you in every step of the journey,
– Dr. Robyn White, DNP | Survivor. Advocate. Disruptor.