FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inaugural National Sun Responsibly Day on May 18 Urges Americans to Protect Skin Year-Round, Not Just at the Beach
As Memorial Day weekend approaches with the unofficial start of summer, health advocates, dermatologists, and industry leaders are joining forces for the inaugural National Sun Responsibly Day on May 18. Submitted by world-leading skincare company L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty and officially approved by the National Day Calendar Registrar, this new awareness day aims to transform sun protection from an occasional warm-weather chore into a universal, daily habit.
The launch of National Sun Responsibly Day underscores an urgent public health reality: one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, and more than two people die from the disease every hour in the United States. While skin cancer rates continue to rise, it remains one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
A primary goal of the campaign is to debunk the myth that sun damage only happens at the beach or pool. In reality, most sun damage occurs during "incidental" daily exposure—such as driving, walking the dog, or even sitting near a window.
How to Participate and Celebrate #SunResponsiblyDay:
Make SPF a Daily Ritual: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to your face, neck, and hands every single day—even when it’s cloudy. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Gear Up: Wear UV-rated clothing, polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes, and tightly woven fabrics like a wide-brimmed hat.
Seek Shade: Utilize the shade of a tree, an umbrella, or head indoors when UV rays are at their highest.
Check Your Skin: Use the day as a reminder to perform a skin self-exam to look for new or changing spots, and book an annual dermatology appointment.
Lead the Conversation: Dermatologists, retailers, and manufacturers are encouraged to share clinical tips and debunk common sun myths.
Share a "Sun Safe Selfie": Post a photo showing off your favorite hat, sunglasses, or sunscreen application on social media using the hashtags #NationalSunResponsiblyDay and #SunResponsibly.
Story Behind the Day
National Sun Responsibly Day grew out of a powerful collaboration of thought-leading dermatologists and retailers convened by L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty, whose initial campaign reached millions across 11,000 retail locations. By elevating the initiative to the national stage, organizers hope to make healthy sun habits as second nature as putting on a seatbelt.
For more information, visit National Sun Responsibly Day or join the movement on social media using #SunResponsiblyDay.
About National Day Calendar
National Day Calendar is the authoritative source for fun, unusual, and unique National Days and Weeks. Based in North Dakota, it helps millions of people "Celebrate Every Day."
Media Contact:
Marlo Anderson
marlo@nationaldaycalendar.com
(701) 204-6674
NationalDayCalendar.com
