Protect Your Skin This May: A Holistic Look at Melanoma Awareness and Skin Health

Protect Your Skin This May: A Holistic Look at Melanoma Awareness and Skin Health

May is National Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about skin—not just what we put on it, but how we support it from the inside out.

At Rock Haven Health and Wellness, we’re all about the bigger picture. While conventional messages around skin cancer focus on SPF and mole checks (which are important!), we also want to look at the why behind healthy skin—hormones, nutrition, stress, sleep, and even vitamin D levels.

Yes, you read that right. Low vitamin D has actually been associated with increased risk of certain skin cancers, including melanoma. It’s a tricky balance—because too much sun can be harmful, but so can total avoidance. That’s why we encourage smart sun exposure (short periods in the early morning or late afternoon) and/or supplementing if needed. Supporting your skin doesn’t have to mean hiding from the sun—it means being intentional with how you engage with it.

So, what does holistic skin protection look like?

First, it starts with awareness. Doing a monthly self-skin check is one of the most proactive things you can do. Look for anything new or changing and pay attention to the ABCDEs of skin changes: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, Color variation, Diameter over 6mm, and anything Evolving in size or shape.

And while dermatologists are essential in high-risk or complex cases, you don’t always need to start there. If you’re already coming in for a wellness visit, mention any skin concerns to your provider. We’re happy to take a look and help determine if further evaluation is needed. Sometimes the first step is just bringing it up.

Of course, sunscreen is still part of the equation—just make it clean and effective.

Look for mineral-based sunscreens made with non-nano zinc oxide. It’s gentle on the skin, and doesn’t carry the inhalation concerns linked to some other sunscreen ingredients. And yes, wear it even if you’re spending most of your day indoors. Blue light from screens can still impact your skin, especially over time.

But skincare doesn’t end with a bottle.

What you eat, how you sleep, your hydration levels, your stress response—these all show up on your skin eventually. Antioxidant-rich foods, healthy fats, and collagen-supporting nutrients are some of our go-to for building healthy skin from within. Add in quality sleep, a nervous system that isn’t constantly in fight-or-flight, and daily movement, and you’ve got yourself a skin health routine far beyond just SPF.

Bringing skin health full circle

True skin health doesn’t stop with SPF or serums—it comes from aligning the inside and outside. That’s where holistic aesthetics come in.

It’s not just about a glow-up—it’s about helping your skin function at its best, using treatments that are gentle, effective, and grounded in whole-body wellness.

Whether you’re working through sun damage, breakouts, inflammation, or just want to feel more confident in your skin, combining modern skincare tools with an integrative mindset can make all the difference.

Your skin tells a story. Let’s help it tell a good one.