Date
Tuesday
May
27

May 27

National Sunscreen Day

Protect your skin and health on National Sunscreen Day - apply sunscreen regularly and stay safe in the sun!

Yearly Date
May 27
Type
Day
Category
Health

Introduction

It's time to celebrate National Sunscreen Day on May 27th! This day was first launched in 2011 as a way to spread awareness about the importance of protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Wearing sunscreen has been scientifically proven to reduce certain types of cancers, wrinkles, and age spots. So take some time today—and everyday—to make sure you're properly protected from the sun!

National Sunscreen Day Timeline

1938
First Commercial Sunscreen
Eugene Schueller, the founder of L’Oreal, is credited with creating the first commercial sunscreen product.
1944
Red Vet Pet Introduced
WWII airman Benjamin Green invents a petroleum jelly-based sun protectant called Red Vet Pet as skin protection for soldiers in the Pacific.
1960s
SPF Rating System Introduced
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating system was developed, providing consumers with a guide to their level of protection against harmful UVB rays.
1980s
UVA Awareness Rises
As skin cancer cases rose, scientists and dermatologists brought attention to the dangers of UVA rays, and the need for broad-spectrum sunscreen.
2011
National Sunscreen Day Launch
National Sunscreen Day was first celebrated on May 27 to promote awareness about the importance of using sunscreen to protect against skin cancer and premature aging.

How to Celebrate National Sunscreen Day

1

Apply sunscreen

The most important way to celebrate National Sunscreen Day is to apply sunscreen. Make sure you apply a generous amount and get all of your exposed skin covered with the appropriate SPF for your skin type.

2

Make a sunscreen craft

Get creative and make something special on National Sunscreen Day. You can make a poster or card about the importance of wearing sunscreen or create a suncatcher using sunscreen containers.

3

Invest in SPF clothing

Sun protection doesn't have to be limited to sunscreen alone. Invest in some SPF clothing, like hats, shirts, and pants, to keep your skin safe when you're out in the sun.

4

Educate others about sunscreen

On National Sunscreen Day, it's important to educate others about the importance of wearing sunscreen properly and often. Make sure you spread the word to everyone you know.

5

Host a sunscreen party

Celebrating National Sunscreen Day doesn't have to be boring! Host a sunscreen party with your friends and family and make it fun by playing beach games, having a picnic, or giving out prizes for the best sunscreen application techniques.

Why National Sunscreen Day is Important

A

Sunscreen protects skin from sun damage

Wearing sunscreen is important for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Repeated exposure to UV radiation can cause sunburns, premature aging, and other medical issues such as skin cancer. Applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above can help protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.

B

Sunscreen helps prevent wrinkles & dark spots

Prolonged exposure to sunlight accelerates the aging process in your skin, leading to visibly damaged skin, wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of premature aging. Wearing sunscreen every day (yes, even on cloudy days!) can help prevent these unsightly blemishes and also keep your skin looking young and healthy.

C

Sunscreen prevents long term health risks

Skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation can lead to long term physical health problems if left unchecked. Wearing sunscreen every day is the best way to avoid these risks and make sure your skin stays healthy for years to come!

National Sunscreen Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 26
Friday
2024
May 26
Sunday
2025
May 26
Monday
2026
May 26
Tuesday
2027
May 26
Wednesday