National Sunscreen Day 2026: Mona Gohara, MD, on Community Outreach, Incidental UV Exposure, and Combating Sunscreen Misinformation

Today is National Sunscreen Day, and we’re spotlighting the importance of photoprotection as dermatologists continue to face a persistent challenge: translating awareness into consistent daily sun-safe behaviors. Community-centered initiatives such as last week’s Walk Under the Sun event, hosted by EltaMD in partnership with Bideawee Pet Adoption Center, aim to make skin cancer prevention more accessible and engaging by connecting education with everyday routines.

In this Q&A, Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, and co-host of the New York City event, discusses the role of community outreach in reinforcing daily SPF use and skin checks. She also touches on the cumulative impact of incidental UV exposure and how dermatologists can combat growing misinformation around sunscreen and tanning culture, particularly on social media.

Dermatology Times: How do community-focused events, like this “Walk Under the Sun” event, help bridge the gap between skin cancer screenings and everyday photoprotection habits?
Gohara: Community events make skin health feel approachable, actionable, and part of everyday life instead of something that only happens in a dermatologist’s office. They create a powerful connection between education and behavior by showing people that sun protection is not just about avoiding a bad beach burn—it is about protecting the skin you live in every single day. Events like “Walk in the Sun” also normalize healthy habits socially. When people see families, athletes, physicians, and community leaders all prioritizing SPF, hats, shade, and skin checks together, photoprotection shifts from being viewed as “extra” to being viewed as routine wellness—like brushing your teeth or wearing a seatbelt.

Many patients associate sun damage only with the beach or the pool and don’t use sunscreen daily. So how do you educate patients on the cumulative impact of incidental UV exposure? I often explain that UV damage is less about one dramatic moment and more about small exposures that quietly add up over time. Walking the dog, driving to work, sitting by a window, outdoor sports practices, errands, lunch outside—those little moments create a cumulative “UV bank account” that the skin remembers. Skin aging and skin cancer are heavily influenced by these repeated daily exposures. I also remind patients that the sun does not distinguish between a vacation day and a Tuesday afternoon. If there is daylight, there is UV exposure. Daily sunscreen is really a long-term investment in the health and resilience of your skin.

Dermatology Times: What is the most significant barrier you face when trying to improve patient adherence to daily SPF? How do you think we can improve this?
Gohara: One of the biggest barriers is that many people still see sunscreen as a cosmetic “extra” instead of a health essential. There is also lingering frustration from older formulations that felt greasy, chalky, heavy, or irritating. The good news is that modern sunscreens are far more elegant and wearable than they used to be. To improve adherence, we need to match products to real lifestyles and skin types—gel formulas for oily skin, hydrating options for mature skin, tinted formulas with iron oxides for hyperpigmentation-prone patients, and easy reapplication tools like sticks and powders. Education matters, but cosmetic elegance matters too. The best sunscreen is ultimately the one someone will actually use consistently.

Dermatology Times: What is the craziest social media trend or myth you’ve seen about suncare? How can your colleagues fight misinformation and promote medically sound social content?
Gohara: One of the most concerning trends has been the glamorization of tanning as “healthy” or “natural,” especially when paired with misinformation suggesting sunscreen is somehow more dangerous than UV exposure. Scientifically, we know the opposite is true—UV radiation is a proven carcinogen, and indoor tanning devices can deliver extraordinarily intense UV exposure. I have also seen dangerous DIY sunscreen “recipes” circulating online that provide essentially no reliable protection. Dermatologists can fight misinformation by meeting people where they are: creating clear, engaging, evidence-based content that is easy to understand without being fear-driven or condescending. Social media moves quickly, so medical education has to be accessible, visual, relatable, and consistent.

Dermatology Times: Is there anything else you’d like to emphasize to our audience as we celebrate today’s National Sunscreen Day and May’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month?

Gohara: Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in the US, but it is also one of the most preventable. Daily sun protection is not about perfection—it is about consistency. Small habits matter: applying SPF in the morning, seeking shade when possible, wearing sunglasses and hats, and knowing your skin. I also think it is important to emphasize that skin cancer does not discriminate by age or skin tone. Everyone deserves education, prevention, and access to effective sun protection. Healthy skin is not about chasing perfection; it is about protecting the organ that protects you every single day.