Summer is now here and many people are up for tanning their skin. However, experts warns the danger of not having a sunscreen to protect your skin.
"Everybody -- and I mean everybody -- needs sunscreen," Dr. Jennifer Caudle a family medicine physician at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stanford, N.J., said in a university news release.
"Your ethnicity doesn't matter; how easily you tan doesn't matter. If you go out in the sun without sunscreen you are putting yourself at risk for melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of cancer," she warned.
Every year in the U.S. over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are treated in more than 3.3 million people. Over the last three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers together combined.
Many people are still confused how much sunscreens they should apply.
Sunscreens have a sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. Higher numbers shows more protection. People should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
"On average, about one ounce. That may not seem like a lot, but it's enough to cover your palm or fill a shot glass," Caudle said.
According to CDC guidelines there are few tips to protect your skin in summer.
Shade
You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you need relief from the sun
Clothing
When possible, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts can provide protection from UV rays.
Hat
For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts.
Sunscreen
Put on broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days.
The yearly cost of treating skin cancers in the U.S. is approximately $8.1 billion: roughly $4.8 billion for nonmelanoma skin cancers and $3.3 billion for melanoma.
