National Sunscreen Day (Friday before Memorial Day)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

National Sunscreen Day is more than a reminder to grab the SPF—it’s a public health nudge to protect your skin before the summer sun takes over.

Falling on the Friday before Memorial Day, it’s the unofficial kickoff to sun safety season.

From beach days to everyday errands, sunscreen isn’t optional. This awareness day was created to help us all stay smart in the sun. It also happens to be one of the unusual holidays in May.

When is the Holiday?

National Sunscreen Day is observed annually on the Friday before Memorial Day in the United States. These are the upcoming dates.

  • May 23, 2025
  • May 22, 2026
  • May 28, 2027
  • May 26, 2028
  • May 25, 2029
  • May 24, 2030
  • May 23, 2031
  • May 28, 2032

Who Invented It?

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention launched the holiday, also called Don’t Fry Day, to encourage protective habits against UV exposure.

It’s backed by dermatologists, researchers, and cancer awareness groups.

The History of the Holiday

Sun safety became a public concern in the late 20th century, as skin cancer rates climbed and sunscreen use became mainstream.

The holiday was introduced as an easy reminder tied to the start of summer activities.

Educational campaigns around this day often include school programs, community events, and healthcare partnerships.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

Broad-spectrum protection defends against both UVA and UVB rays.

It’s timed with Memorial Day weekend, one of the busiest times for sun exposure.

SPF 15 or higher is the minimum recommended—yet many still underapply.

Most people use only 25–50% of the amount of sunscreen they should.

Reapplication every two hours is key, especially after swimming or sweating.

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Activities to Celebrate

Set up a table at a park, beach, or local event to hand out trial-size sunscreen bottles. Include a quick guide on how much to apply and how often to reapply.

Use UV-sensitive beads to visually demonstrate the power of sunscreen. Kids can compare beads with and without sunscreen to see the effects of UV rays.

Partner with a local school or daycare to host a sun safety morning. Teach kids how to apply sunscreen, wear hats, and seek shade. Include coloring sheets or a “design your own sun hat” activity.

Encourage families, schools, or businesses to share their sun protection routines. Create a simple hashtag like #DontFryDay and offer a giveaway for best photo or tip.

Work with dermatologists or local clinics to offer quick skin screenings in public spaces. Promote it as part of early detection and awareness.

Organize a mini fashion show where kids and adults wear their best sun-safe outfits—think sunglasses, rash guards, wide-brimmed hats. Use it as an educational moment on UV protection.

Create a “pledge to protect” wall where people sign their names and commit to wearing sunscreen daily. Great visual for schools or libraries.

Host a demo on how much sunscreen to use (about a shot glass full for the body) and common spots people miss (ears, feet, back of neck).

Read a sun-themed book like “Llama Llama Sand and Sun” followed by a craft where kids create paper sunglasses or decorate sun hats.

For workplaces, hand out sunscreen samples with printed cards explaining SPF ratings, reapplication times, and broad-spectrum protection.

Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin. A gentle, broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen made with zinc oxide—great for sensitive skin, babies, and anyone avoiding chemical filters. Water-resistant and reef-safe.

Sun-Safe Clothing for Kids. Lightweight, breathable shirts, swimsuits, and hats rated UPF 50+. A great supplement to sunscreen for extra protection during outdoor play or beach trips.

Sunscreen Experiment for Kids – UV Beads. Teach kids how sunscreen works with UV-detecting beads. Let them apply sunscreen to different beads and observe the color change in sunlight—an easy and visual science activity.

Infographic: How to Apply Sunscreen Properly. Visual step-by-step guide to applying sunscreen, including how much to use, when to reapply, and common areas people miss—great to print and post in classrooms or clinics.

Wear Teal Day for Ovarian Cancer Day (1st Friday in September) – Just like this holiday raises awareness for skin health, Wear Teal Day highlights the importance of recognizing and preventing ovarian cancer. Both promote early detection and proactive care.

National Beach Party Day (August 7) – Celebrating under the sun? This is the perfect reminder to apply (and reapply) sunscreen while enjoying beach games, sandcastles, and surfside fun.

National Ice Cream Day (3rd Sunday in July) – A hot summer day calls for sunscreen and a cold treat. Enjoy your favorite scoop while staying sun-safe—especially if you’re outdoors for a long stretch.

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