June 7, 2025
Summer Skin Safety: How to Prevent Skin Cancer While Enjoying the Sun
Sunshine and Skin Health
There’s a reason we endure the long frozen winters in Meridian. We know that as soon as the snow melts away, we get to experience those sun-drenched, breathtaking Idaho summers.
Sunshine is wonderful for boosting your mood and fueling your body with vitamin D. But like most good things, moderation is key.
Sure, we’ve all giggled at some epic sunburn tan lines—straps, sunglasses, flip-flop feet—but the joke fades fast when the burn turns blistered and painful. And while your skin may feel “healed” in a few days, the long-term damage will have already begun.
At Mountain Pine Dermatology, we want you to enjoy your summer while avoiding painful burns and long-term risks. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but with a few smart habits and regular screenings, we can reduce risks and catch issues early and when they’re most treatable.
Let’s talk about how to soak up the sun safely.
Understanding Skin Cancer
What is Skin Cancer?
There are three main types of skin cancer, and it’s helpful to know the differences:-
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common and slowest-growing skin cancer. It can take months or even years to develop and is often found on the face, ears, and neck.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common. It develops more quickly than BCC—sometimes within weeks—and can also appear on sun-exposed areas.
- Melanoma: The most serious form (and thankfully least common), melanoma can spread to other parts of the body rapidly and is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Early detection is critical.
How Skin Cancer Develops
Most skin cancers—BCC, SCC, and melanoma—are caused by cumulative exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It’s not just sunburns; repeated, even mild sun exposure adds up over time.
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Common locations: Face, ears, neck, shoulders, arms
- Surprising fact: Melanoma can also form under the fingernails, in the eyes, and even in the mucous linings of the mouth.
Summer-Specific Risks for Skin Cancer in Meridian, ID
In Idaho, summer feels like a reward. Hiking, floating the river, tending to that backyard garden—yes, please! Just be aware of the extra UV exposure that comes with all that fun.
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Peak UV hours: 10 AM – 4 PM. This is when UV rays are strongest, even on cloudy days.
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Reflective Surfaces: Water and sand reflect UV light back at your skin, increasing exposure. And yes—even snow (save that tip for winter).
- Long Outdoor Activities: Boating, sports, gardening—anything that keeps you outside for hours means more time for sun to sneak up on you. Plus, sweat, water, and time wear down your sunscreen faster than you think.
“Even five sunburns doubles your risk of melanoma.”
5 Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer in Summer
We’re not here to tell you to stay inside. Idaho summers are golden, so let’s just make sure your skin stays that way, too.
1. Use Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+
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Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating
- Apply 15–30 minutes before going outside
Rather than frantically slathering sunscreen lakeside, take a minute before you leave the house. Then reapply during snack breaks so it has time to absorb before you dive back in.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
- Wide-brim hats, UPF-rated clothing, sunglasses
Sun safety is stylish. Find gear you like wearing, and you’re more likely to use it.
3. Seek Shade
- Especially between 10 AM and 4 PM
You don’t get a medal for “braving” the noonday sun. Grab an umbrella, find a tree, or hang out under a canopy. If animals are smart enough to find shade, we should be too.
4. Avoid Tanning Beds
The “base tan before vacation” myth needs to go. Tanning beds expose your skin to concentrated UV rays that significantly increase your cancer risk.
Need a glow? Try a self-tanner, then follow up with real sun protection when you're out and about.
Even better? Healthy skin naturally glows. Our cosmetic dermatology team can help you bring out your best with customized treatments designed to enhance your skin’s tone, texture, and radiance—no UV damage required.
5. Perform Monthly Skin Checks
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Use a mirror for hard-to-see spots
- Watch for new or changing moles
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Asymmetry
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Border irregularity
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Color variation
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Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
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Evolving over time
When to See a Dermatologist
If you notice:
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Sores that don’t heal
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Moles that are bleeding, crusting, or changing
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New growths that appear quickly
...it’s time to see a professional.
Mountain Pine Dermatology offers detailed skin cancer screenings and is one of the few clinics in the region offering Mohs surgery—the most precise and effective treatment for many types of skin cancer.
Call (208) 898-7467 or contact us online to book your skin cancer screening today.
Meet the Experts in Skin Cancer Care
Dr. Perry and Dr. Thomas are not only expert dermatologists. They’re also experienced Mohs surgeons, offering top-level skin cancer care with precision and compassion.
Our whole team lives by our P.I.N.E. values:
Patient First. Integrity. Nonjudgmental Communication. Empathy and Ethics.
With offices in Meridian, Caldwell, Emmett, Mountain Home, and Baker City, it’s easy to find care near you.
Declare This Meridian Summer a Healthy Skin Summer
Summer memories are the best kind—camping, river days, backyard BBQs. Just don’t let a sunburn become one of them.
Be proactive. Stay protected. And most importantly, get your skin checked.
Protect your skin, protect your future. Book a skin check at Mountain Pine Dermatology today.