Sun Safety 101
Look Good. Stay Protected. Make an Impact.
Throwing Shade at Skin Cancer
Sun safety starts with a smart choice. Your hat should do more than just look good. It should help protect your skin and help change the stats around skin cancer.
Whether you’re hiking, hitting the beach, or chasing the kids around the yard, a wide-brimmed hat can help reduce your risk of skin damage without sacrificing your style.
What’s the UV Index and Why It Matters
Sun Safety 101
Did you know UV rays can damage your skin in under 15 minutes? Even on cloudy days, your skin is still at risk and UV levels can spike any time you're outdoors.
Here’s how to stay protected:
- Check the UV Index: Open your weather app, scroll down or tap into the daily forecast to see the UV Index for your location.
- Use a UV App: Apps like EPA's "UV Index" or "UVLens" offer real-time data and alerts.
- Cover Up: Choose wide-brim hats and UPF-rated fabrics, like Hemlock’s.
- Be Altitude Aware: UV is stronger at higher elevations, up to 12% more intense for every 1,000 feet.
- Stay Hydrated & Reapply SPF: Apply at least SPF 30+ before going outside, and reapply every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming.
Sun protection isn’t just for beach days. Make it part of your everyday routine.
Skin cancer is common but preventable
Why It Matters
Every time you step outside, you're exposed to UV rays that can increase your long-term risk. But with the right gear and a few smart habits, you can protect your skin and still enjoy the sunshine.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer
- 5 M+ cases are diagnosed in the U.S. every year
- Most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early
$20,000 Raised in May!
Thanks to your purchases and support, we donated $20,000 to the American Cancer Society®* during Skin Cancer Awareness Month. That money helps fund free screenings, research, and sun safety education across the country.
We're proud of what we've done together—and we're not stopping here.
Shop For Sun Safety
Your hat is just the start. Grab a few extra sun-smart tools to keep your skin in check.
Show us how you throw shade
Join the movement. Post a photo of how you’re throwing shade—whether it’s on a beach, trail, or just your backyard—and tag @Hemlock using #ThrowingShadeAtSkinCancer.