Skin cancer awareness: types, prevention, and early detection

Protecting your skin with knowledge, sun-safe habits, and UPF 50+ solutions

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the world, and yet, it’s one of the most preventable. In many cases, simple protective habits and regular skin monitoring can drastically reduce your risk or help detect something early enough to treat it effectively. At Juillet Juillet, where every collection is designed to marry sun safety with elegance, we believe that awareness is the first line of protection. Understanding how skin cancer develops, how to prevent it, and how to spot the early signs could make all the difference for yourself and your loved ones.

Understanding skin cancer: what’s at stake?

Skin cancer develops when abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably in the skin. While many people associate it with sunburns and aging, its real impact runs deeper, affecting millions of individuals each year across all age groups and skin tones.

Though the term “skin cancer” is used broadly, there are several distinct types, each with different characteristics, levels of risk, and required treatments.

The most common form is basal cell carcinoma. It often appears as a translucent bump or red patch, and while it rarely spreads, it can cause significant damage if left untreated. Next is squamous cell carcinoma, which tends to form rough, scaly lesions or persistent sores. Both typically develop on areas exposed to the sun over time, such as the face, neck, and hands.

More serious is melanoma, a type of skin cancer that originates in the pigment-producing cells. Though less frequent, melanoma is the deadliest form and can spread rapidly to other organs. Catching it early is crucial, which is why regular skin checks are so important.

Other, rarer types like Merkel cell carcinoma or actinic keratosis (a precancerous condition) also underline the need for constant vigilance. While actinic keratosis is not cancer itself, it can evolve into squamous cell carcinoma if ignored.

The role of UV radiation in skin cancer development

Ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays, is the leading cause of most skin cancers. These rays come not only from the sun but also from artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV light penetrates the skin and damages the DNA within our cells. Over time, this damage builds up and can cause mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth.

There are two types of UV rays that reach the Earth’s surface: UVA, which penetrates deep into the skin and contributes to aging, and UVB, which primarily causes sunburn. Both are linked to skin cancer. The more cumulative your exposure, the greater the risk. Even occasional sunburns, particularly during childhood, have been shown to significantly increase the chances of developing melanoma later in life.

This is why sun protection is not just about avoiding burns on beach days. It’s about long-term, consistent prevention—through habits, products, and clothing that reduce your skin’s daily exposure to these harmful rays.

Sun safe habits that can lower your risk

Preventing skin cancer begins with daily routines, not occasional measures. A comprehensive sun protection strategy includes several pillars that work together to protect your skin over time.

One of the most effective is wearing UPF 50+ clothing, including anti-UV swimwear that covers and shields the body. At Juillet Juillet, we’ve developed a complete range of UPF 50+ swimsuits for women, children, and babies that combine high-tech protection with refined design. Our long-sleeved swimsuits, high-neck one-pieces, and swim shorts are made from fabrics certified to block 98% of UV radiation.

Complementing your wardrobe, sunscreen should be applied every day, even when it’s cloudy. Choose a broad-spectrum product with SPF 30 or higher, and be diligent about reapplying every two hours especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.

Planning your outdoor activities around UV intensity also makes a difference. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so seeking shade or wearing protective accessories like hats and sunglasses during these hours adds another layer of defense.

And if you're tempted by the glow of tanning beds, think twice. Artificial UV radiation is just as dangerous as sunlight and significantly increases the risk of melanoma, particularly in younger people.

To build a more holistic routine, explore our family beach essentials guide, where we walk through smart packing, product tips, and shade solutions.

Early detection: why skin checks matter

Even with excellent prevention, vigilance remains essential. Skin cancer is often curable if caught early, and you don’t need to be a dermatologist to start looking for signs. A regular self-check can alert you to changes before they become serious.

The best way to start is by familiarizing yourself with your own skin. Take the time, once a month, to examine your entire body from scalp to soles, front and back. Look for any new spots or changes in existing moles, especially changes in size, shape, color, or texture.

Warning signs can include:

• Moles that evolve in appearance

• Sores that do not heal

• Red, scaly patches that persist

• Dark lines under fingernails or toenails

• Small bumps that are shiny, pink, or pearly

If you notice anything unusual, book an appointment with a dermatologist. Those with a family history of skin cancer, a large number of moles, or a history of significant sunburns should consider annual professional skin exams as part of their preventive care.

Early detection is especially important with melanoma. According to dermatology experts, when caught at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma exceeds 99 percent. That statistic alone makes regular skin monitoring a non-negotiable.

A special focus on children and sensitive skin

Young skin needs extra protection. Children spend a lot of time outdoors and often have no awareness of the damage UV exposure can cause. As their caregivers, we have a responsibility to make sun safety second nature from the start.

This is why we’ve designed our baby and kid collections to offer not just protection, but comfort and freedom. Soft, breathable UPF 50+ fabrics allow for movement, while full coverage designs protect sensitive zones like shoulders, arms, and upper thighs.

For parents of children with skin conditions such as eczema, UV clothing can also reduce the need for frequent sunscreen reapplication, which can sometimes irritate sensitive areas. Choosing the right anti-UV swimwears is both a practical and loving decision.

Sun protection is a lifelong investment

Taking care of your skin is not about fear. It’s about empowering yourself with the tools, habits, and information needed to enjoy the sun safely at any age. Whether it’s your daily walk, your next beach trip, or your family’s summer holiday, anti-UV clothing and UPF 50+ swimwear should be part of your essentials, right alongside water bottles and sun hats.

Skin cancer may be common, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. By combining smart protection with early detection, you give yourself every chance to live freely, confidently, and in full health.

Ready to protect your skin with confidence?

Our complete range of UPF 50+ swimsuits for women, babies, and children is designed to combine sun protection and style, season after season. Explore our collections and embrace outdoor living beautifully and safely.