Don't Fry-Day is today, May 23rd, and it's a great reminder to protect your skin from the sun if you're enjoying the outdoors for Memorial Day weekend.
For many, this may be the first time of the year your skin will be exposed to the sun for a long period of time in quite a while, so you'll need to take the proper precautions so you don't fry.
Doctors want to remind us that base tans do not exist. When you tan your skin, it only gives you a coverage of three SPF; therefore not protecting your skin from further sun damage.
Whitney Hovenic, a MOHS surgeon and dermatologist with the Skin Cancer and Dermatology Institute, adds, "So you really need to put on sunscreen; you also need to do other things like wear a hat, get under a tree, and seek some shade. But you know, go outside and play - it's going to be beautiful this weekend."
You should be reapplying sunscreen every couple of hours; the standard is two. If you're getting in the water, you need to be reapplying even more sunscreen, because there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen.
Hovenic says, "The American Academy of Dermatology recommends at least an SPF 30."
She also says an SPF 100 is not necessarily better than an SPF 30.
We also spoke with Reno resident Jalena Olson, who tells us about her SPF preferences: "I'm really wary of a lot of the sunblocks out there because of all the chemicals and stuff; it's just not good for your body or for your skin to absorb it."
Hovenic also tells us how climate can play a role in sun exposure: "Our climate in northern Nevada absolutely plays a role in our sun exposure. We are in this beautiful environment with over 300 days of sun, but we're also at high altitude. So the closer you are to the sun, the less protection you have, and also don't forget about reflection. You have all that reflection off those granite rocks when you're hiking, or at beautiful Lake Tahoe and the water - so you really have to be careful."
She says sun exposure is the biggest cause of skin cancer, but it's also the biggest preventable cause as well.
She tells us the most common skin cancer, among others, is basal cell carcinoma.
The annual Biggest Little Skin Cancer Screening was held a few weeks ago on May 7th, 2025, at Greater Nevada Field. During the event, they screened 145 people, and they say they did end up finding some problems, but the good news is now those people affected will get the resources they need post-screening.
Hovenic adds, "They felt like it was really nice to have an opportunity to get their skin checked out in a fun environment where it's a lot less scary than going to the doctor's office, and they were really grateful for this service."
