Health library

May 11, 2026— You might know that the chances of getting skin cancer increase as you get older and that you can lower your risk by wearing sunscreen and preventing ultraviolet light (UV) skin damage. But if you're an older adult who didn't use much sunscreen when you were younger, you might wonder: Is it too late to start now?

The answer is the same at every age: The best time to step up your sun safety is right now. And that message may be especially urgent for older adults.

Skin damage is cumulative

Skin damage—which can lead to skin cancer—adds up over your lifetime. That means that your risk right now depends, in part, on how often you've been exposed to UV light or had sunburns in the past. That's one reason why your chance of getting skin cancer is generally higher than a younger adult's, the Skin Cancer Foundation notes.

But it's also true that your sun exposure is still adding up—and you can still help limit it. According to the foundation, people are exposed to more UV rays after age 40 than before. And while you can't change the past, you can still affect your future.

That's important, because getting older doesn't just mean more years of sun exposure. Aging itself can make your skin more prone to sun damage.

Aging skin is at added risk

As we age, our skin becomes thinner, which allows more UV light to reach its deeper layers, the foundation notes. Aging also can reduce your body's natural defenses and the skin's ability to heal from UV damage.

At the same time, many people have more time for outdoor activities during their retirement years. As a result, they accumulate even more sun exposure.

Many older adults may take medications to treat or prevent health problems. Some medicines can make skin more sensitive to UV light, which can also increase a person's skin cancer risk.

Keep an eye on your skin

Finding precancerous growths or skin cancer early can give you more treatment options and better outcomes. You might consider checking your skin once a month—if you know what's normal for you, it's easier to recognize when something changes.

Check your body thoroughly, including your face, ears, neck, chest, belly, arms, legs, hands and feet. You'll need plenty of light. If you have a partner, they can help you check hard-to-see areas. Otherwise, use a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror.

Skin cancer—and precancerous growths, like actinic keratosis—might not look how you think. It's important to look for any skin changes, such as:

• A new or changing growth, spot or lump.
• A rough-feeling patch of skin.
• An area of your skin that becomes crusty or red or bleeds or itches.
• A mole with uneven edges.
• Changes in an existing mole, such as a mole that's becoming a different size, shape or color.

If you spot something unusual or that concerns you, let your doctor know as soon as possible.

Sources