Understanding Skin Cancer: Types, Prevention, and the Truth About Sunscreen

May is Skin Cancer Awareness month. Here at HydroPeptide, we pride ourselves on providing some of the best sun protection products that not only protect, but also hydrate, soothe, and rebuild the skin barrier. This month, we're focusing in on educating our friends and followers on why it's so important to stay protected with SPF all year round, but especially during these hotter months.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., but here’s the good news—it’s also one of the most preventable. Whether you're soaking up summer sun or running errands on a cloudy day, your daily habits make a huge difference in protecting your skin. In this guide, we’ll break down the types of skin cancer, smart prevention tips, what SPF really means, and how to decode your sunscreen label so you’re never left guessing.

This is the most common—and fortunately, the least aggressive—type of skin cancer. It often shows up as a small, pearly bump or pink patch, especially on sun-exposed areas like your face, scalp, or shoulders. It rarely spreads, but early treatment is important to avoid skin damage or scarring.

SCC may look like a crusty sore, scaly patch, or raised bump. It’s the second most common type and tends to grow faster than BCC. It can spread if not caught early, making regular skin checks especially important.

Melanoma is the most serious and potentially deadly type of skin cancer, but it’s highly treatable when detected early. It may develop in a mole you already have—or appear as a brand-new spot. Keep an eye out for the ABCDEs:

Asymmetry,
Border irregularity,
Color changes,
Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and
Evolving size or shape.

The best way to prevent all types of skin cancer is to protect your skin from UV radiation—every single day.

• Wear sunscreen daily, even when it’s overcast.
• Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Cover up with hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing
• Avoid tanning beds, which emit dangerous UV rays that accelerate aging and increase your cancer risk.

Think of these as tiny shields sitting on top of your skin. They use mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect and scatter UV rays before they can penetrate your skin. They work immediately after application and are great for sensitive skin types. A few go-to options from HydroPeptide include:

• Sun Slick SPF 50 Mineral Sun Stick – a fragrance-free formula in a travel-ready stick applicator, with added ceramides and squalane for hydration.
• Solar Defense Tinted SPF 30 – color-adjusting spheres match perfectly to your skin tone. The formula also includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing botanical extracts.
• Solar Dew Sheer Mineral Melt SPF 30 – an ultra-light, sheer mineral “sun serum” that feels like nothing on the skin, and leaves a subtle dewy finish. It also imparts our patented peptide complex which supports antioxidant protection.

These absorb into your skin and work by converting UV rays into heat, which is then released from the body. They usually go on invisibly and feel lightweight, making them a favorite during active days. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure for full effectiveness. One to try:

• Solar Defense Body SPF 30 Spray – a broad-spectrum, chemical sunscreen mist with a refreshing passionfruit scent. Lightweight, water-resistant, and perfect for reapplying on the go.

Not sure which is right for you? Many people use a mix: physical on the face for gentler daily wear, chemical on the body for easy application. The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually want to wear—consistently.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

This number tells you how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the ones responsible for sunburn and skin cancer.

• SPF 15 blocks ~93% of UVB rays
• SPF 30 blocks ~97%
• SPF 50 blocks ~98%
• SPF 100 blocks ~99%

Higher SPF can offer slightly more protection, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of rays. More important than SPF level? 

Reapplying it regularly.

Broad Spectrum

Look for this term—it means your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

• UVB = “B” for burning.
• UVA = “A” for aging (and can also contribute to cancer).
  Both cause skin damage, so a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential for full protection.

The UV Index is a daily forecast that tells you how strong the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is in your area. It ranges from 0 (low risk) to 11+ (extreme risk). On days when the UV index is 3 or higher, sun protection—like sunscreen, sunglasses, and shade—is strongly recommended. A higher index means your skin can burn faster, sometimes in as little as 15 minutes. Checking the UV index each morning (it’s usually available in weather apps or widgets) helps you plan accordingly—especially if you're spending time outside during peak hours. Think of it as your skin’s version of a weather warning: when UV levels are high, so is your need for protection.

Even the best sunscreen wears off. Sun exposure, sweating, and swimming break down active ingredients, leaving your skin vulnerable. That’s why dermatologists recommend:

• Reapplying every two hours
• Immediately after swimming or sweating
• Using about a shot-glass worth for your full body