About this research and writing project:

The challenge: Floridians live in one of the highest skin cancer risk states in the country, but sun protection messaging tends to focus on beach days and vacations rather than daily cumulative exposure.

My approach: I interviewed Dr. Wojnowich, a board-certified sports medicine and family medicine physician, to translate sun safety from abstract cancer risk to concrete daily practices. I grounded the piece in recognizable Florida life (kids cannonballing into pools, St. Pete’s 361 days of sun) and addressed common misconceptions.

The Impact: Published in St. Pete Life Magazine as part of a healthcare education partnership, the article reframed sun protection from occasional beach-day concern to daily routine like brushing teeth.

Published in St. Pete Life Magazine’s July/August 2025 edition

Picture a typical Florida summer with kids cannonballing into pools, friends firing up the grill and families heading to the beach. In St. Pete — the “Sunshine City” with an average of 361 days of rays a year — the sun is a backdrop to nearly every moment. But while we soak up the light, it’s easy to forget that all that sunshine comes with hidden dangers.

July is National Ultraviolet Safety Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to rethink how we protect ourselves and our loved ones from the invisible threat of UV radiation. This isn’t just about avoiding a painful sunburn after a day at the beach, it’s about preventing long-term, sometimes life-altering, damage to your skin.

“Just like we brush our teeth, we should put our sunscreen on every day,” says Dr. Wojnowich, a board-certified sports medicine and family medicine physician. “People forget, but it should be part of our routine starting very early in life. Years of exposure add up.”

Year-Round Protection

UV radiation is a known carcinogen. Just a few serious sunburns, especially in childhood, can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. And you don’t even have to be in direct sunlight to be at risk. UV rays penetrate clouds, reflect off water and sand, and sneak up on you during everyday activities like errands, commuting or strolling through the park. It’s a risk during our “cold” winter months, too.

Wojnowich uses sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 every day of the year and recommends the same for everyone.

“Above SPF 50, there’s not a huge improvement,” she explains.

The critical part that a lot of people forget, though, is reapplying regularly. Most sunscreens need reapplication at least every hour and sometimes every 30 minutes if you’re swimming or sweating, or have very fair skin.

“Too often, people think applying sunscreen once means they’re covered for the day, but it just extends the time you can be outside without burning,” Wojnowich emphasizes.

And don’t overlook often-missed spots like the tops of your ears, back of the neck, hands, toes and the tops of feet.

Beyond Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t the only line of defense. Protective clothing can play a big role and many people find this is actually a better choice.

“It lasts longer and you don’t have to slather your body every hour,” Wojnowich notes.

She wears tinted sunscreen on her face and, for most of the rest of her skin, relies on clothing with a built-in ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF of 30 to 50 when outside.

“It has to be branded and manufactured as ‘sun protective.’”
she explains.  “Regular T-shirts or baseball caps offer some protection, but not enough.”

Don’t forget sunglasses with UV protection. Yes, your eyes can get sunburned, too. Seeking shade between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest, is also a smart move.

Sometimes people skip sunscreen because they worry about missing out on vitamin D. However, Wojnowich says, “You only need about 15 minutes of sunlight a day to synthesize enough vitamin D.” She recommends getting vitamin D through foods.

Who’s At Risk?

It’s probably not surprising that skin cancer rates in Florida are among the highest nationwide. Melanoma, the deadliest form, is becoming more common, even among younger people. Kids are especially vulnerable since their skin is more sensitive and they often play outdoors during peak sun hours, so starting the sun protection habit at a young age is vital.

“I see sun damage in patients as young as their 20s and 30s,” Wojnowich notes. “It’s not just an older person’s issue. That’s why it’s crucial to develop sun protection habits early.”

She recommends that parents get sunscreen sticks for kids. It’s easy to apply and convenient. As a mother of three school-age children, she keeps these helpful sticks on hand at all times.

Toddlers can be a challenge since they often resist lotion. For wriggly kids, protective clothing can become the first
line of defense.

“It’s not always easy, but having sun gear ready makes a difference,” Wojnowich offers.

Early Detection

Regular skin checks are essential.

“Watch for anything rough or scratchy, or something that looks like a bug bite that won’t heal,” the doctor advises. “Blemishes that don’t heal, grow bigger or change color should be checked. Moles that get larger or shift colors are also warning signs.”

In addition to keeping an eye on your own skin, make it a point to get a skin check every year at a dermatologist’s office. During a full-body exam, dermatologists are able to examine tricky spots we can’t always see for ourselves, such as the scalp, hairline and back. They can also use a dermatoscope, which isa a magnifying tool that reveals structures beneath the skin surface.

“Annual dermatologist visits are so important,” Wojnowich affirms. “They catch problems before they spread or worsen.”

Advances in diagnostic technology have improved detection and treatment, and artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role in dermatology.

“AI acts like an extra pair of eyes,” she notes. “It helps recognize suspicious patterns earlier, which improves patient outcomes.”

Protecting Oceans

Wojnowich also stresses that sun safety isn’t just about us, it’s about protecting the environment as well.

“Florida has some of the best beaches in the country. It’s important to choose reef-safe sunscreens,” she explains.

Reef-safe sunscreens are designed to protect people and coral reefs from harmful UV rays as they do not contain chemicals that can damage coral and marine life.

Keep in mind that choosing reef-safe sunscreen is a good practice for everyday use—not just when you’re headed to the water. Even when washed off in the shower, sunscreen can enter our water supply. Mineral-based formulas help protect aquatic life and prevent harmful chemicals from contaminating water sources that flow into Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast.

Read this article on StPeteLifeMag.com