Tips for Sunburn Prevention
Most people know the dangers of UV exposure, yet 1 out of every 5 Americans will still be diagnosed with skin cancer within their lifetimes. For Caucasians the risk factor is even greater and 1 in every 3 will find themselves with a skin cancer diagnosis. The only way to beat these odds is to protect yourself. I have listed below some helpful tips to prevent sunburn.

Timing. Plan all of your outdoor activities accordingly. The sun's rays are found to be the strongest between the times of 10 o'clock a.m and 4 o'clock p.m. Avoid exposure during these peak hours.

Protective clothing. A long sleeved shirt, pants and a wide-brimmed hat that shields your skin from the sun's ultraviolet light is helpful.

Sunscreen. SPF 15 or higher should be applied every day. Sunscreen is not just for trips to the beach. Some surfaces, such as water and concrete, can reflect over half of the sun's rays. Sitting in a shady area will not deter these reflected rays and cloudy days are no exception.

Tanning beds. As much as we all long for that sun-kissed look, tanning beds should be avoided. UVA lights from the beds can be just as destructive to your skin as the UVB lights found outdoors.

Check your skin every few months for any new growths or changes to any existing marks including moles, freckles, bumps and birthmarks. If you notice anything that concerns you, bring it to the attention of your doctor.

Since sunburn can lead to skin cancer or other skin diseases it is imperative that you use sunblock on any exposed skin whenever you are exposed to the sun.
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