May 2026
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
What SouthCoast Locals Should Know — and How a Med Spa Can Help
If you’ve spent a summer afternoon at Horseneck Beach, sailed out of Padanaram Harbor, or simply enjoyed a walk along the Fall River waterfront, you know how good the New England sun feels after a long winter. But May — right as we’re all heading back outside — is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect reminder that the same sun we love deserves a little respect.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed every year. The good news? It’s also one of the most preventable. Here’s what you need to know — and how Spa Noor can be part of your skin health routine.
Know What You’re Looking For
Dermatologists use the ABCDE rule as a simple self-check guide:
| A Asymmetry — one half doesn’t match the other |
| B Border — irregular, ragged, or blurred edges |
| C Color — uneven shading, multiple colors in one spot |
| D Diameter — larger than a pencil eraser (6mm) |
| E Evolving — any mole that’s changing in size, color, or shape |
If anything concerns you, see a dermatologist promptly. Early detection makes an enormous difference in outcomes.
5 Habits That Protect Your Skin All Summer Long
| ☀️ | Wear SPF 30+ every single day UV rays penetrate clouds and car windows. Daily SPF is non-negotiable — even in September on the SouthCoast. |
| 🕙 | Avoid peak sun hours UV exposure is strongest between 10am and 4pm. At Horseneck Beach or Demarest Lloyd State Park, plan your time in the water early or later in the afternoon. |
| 👒 | Cover up Wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective clothing, and wraparound sunglasses are your best friends on the water or along the Farm Coast. |
| 🚫 | Skip the tanning bed Using a tanning bed before age 35 increases melanoma risk by up to 75%. A medical-grade self-tanner gives you the glow without the damage. |
| 🔍 | Check your skin monthly A quick head-to-toe self-exam once a month — in good light, with a hand mirror for hard-to-see spots — can catch changes early when they’re most treatable. |
How Spa Noor Can Be Part of Your Skin Health Routine
Prevention isn’t just about what you do at the beach. The health of your skin year-round plays a big role in how it responds to sun exposure — and that’s where we come in.
Skin Consultations & Assessments Not sure what you’re looking at? Our team can help you understand your skin, identify areas of concern, and advise when it’s time to see a dermatologist. |
Medical-Grade Facials & Chemical Peels Regular professional treatments remove damaged surface cells, improve skin texture, and keep your complexion in the best possible condition to handle summer sun. |
Laser Skin Treatments Laser treatments can address sun damage, dark spots, and uneven tone caused by years of UV exposure — helping restore your skin while giving us a closer look at its overall health. |
Medical-Grade SPF & Skincare Products Not all sunscreens are created equal. We carry professional-grade SPF and skincare products that outperform drugstore options — ask us what’s right for your skin type. |
We love this region — the beaches, the farms, the waterfront. And we want everyone in Fall River, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Swansea, and across the SouthCoast to enjoy it safely, season after season.
This May, make your skin health a priority. Book a consultation with our team and let’s talk about what your skin needs going into summer.
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you notice any concerning changes in your skin, please consult a board-certified dermatologist.
With care,
Spa Noor
