Beyond the Beach: Year-Round Strategies for Skin Cancer Prevention

When most people think about their skin or skin cancer, they imagine long days under the summer sun. But the reality is that skin cancer doesn’t follow a season. UV damage happens year-round, even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors near a window.

At Elevate Functional Medicine, we’ve seen firsthand how subtle, cumulative sun exposure can lead to significant skin issues. That’s why we want to help you take control of your skin health, not just during Skin Cancer Awareness Month, but every single day.

Why Skin Protection Must Be a Year-Round Habit

Here’s the truth: UV rays are persistent. UVA rays, which are largely responsible for aging and skin cancer, can penetrate clouds and even glass. This means that driving to work, sitting by a window, or enjoying a cool fall day outside can all expose your skin to damaging radiation.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that more than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Yet many people let their guard down as soon as the weather cools or they think they’re shielded indoors.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Understanding Cumulative Damage

Cumulative sun exposure adds up in small, almost invisible ways. It’s not always the intense burns that lead to cancer, but the years of light exposure during daily activities. Over time, this can lead to uneven skin tone, dark spots, wrinkles, actinic keratosis (precancerous skin lesions), and even basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

While genetics and skin type do play roles, lifestyle habits are one of the largest controllable factors.

woman’s chest with bad sunburn

The Role of Lifestyle and Whole-Body Wellness

At Elevate, we believe that true skin health doesn’t stop at sunscreen. Skin is a reflection of your internal wellness. Stress, poor sleep, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies can all make your skin more vulnerable to UV damage and slow its repair mechanisms.
Hormonal shifts, particularly changes in estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol, can thin the skin and impair its ability to heal. Nutritional gaps can reduce the availability of antioxidants, your skin’s natural defense system. Chronic stress raises cortisol, which breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging.
Your skin cancer prevention plan must support both your skin’s surface and the systems that fuel its health from within.

Daily Skin Protection—More Than Sunscreen

A year-round skin cancer prevention plan should include several important steps:

  • First, make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your morning routine. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously to all exposed skin. Don’t forget areas like the ears, neck, and backs of the hands.
  • Next, schedule regular skin checks. Monthly self-exams help you stay aware of any changes in moles or spots, while an annual professional exam can catch potential issues early. If you don’t have a dermatologist, Elevate can connect you to trusted partners.

Protective clothing, including hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing, adds an essential layer of defense. And for those ready to elevate their skincare routine, medical-grade sunscreens and repair serums tailored to your skin type can provide advanced protection and rejuvenation.

dermatologist checking on patient’s skin

Why Choose Elevate Functional Medicine?

Unlike basic skincare consultations, Elevate looks at your total health. We don’t just treat the symptoms—we assess the root causes that can make your skin vulnerable to UV damage. We offer complementary skin consultations for those new to medical-grade skincare and aesthetics.

During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your skin’s condition and risk factors, review your lifestyle and internal wellness, and build a personalized plan to protect, repair, and support your skin’s natural resilience.

Your Skin Deserves Attention Before Damage Happens

It’s easy to think, “I’ll start protecting my skin next summer,” or “It’s not that bad yet.” But early action is the most powerful prevention. Once sun damage sets in, reversing it becomes more difficult—and more costly.

Your skin deserves more than reactive care. It deserves proactive wellness. Contact us today to book your skin consultation and take the first step toward protecting your skin for a lifetime.