Over the past decade, skin cancer, malignant melanoma, has skyrocketed from 1 in 1500 to 1 in 75. Skin cancer causes approximately 10,000 deaths per year in the United States.

Years of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from natural sunlight or tanning lights is the chief cause of skin cancer. Studies suggest that those who spend most of their lives indoors but vacation in the sun are at greater risk of melanoma than people who regularly work outdoors.

Guidelines to help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer:

• Limit sun time year round. UV rays can penetrate through clouds.
• Plan outdoor activities before or after peak sun intensity, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Wear sun protective clothing and a hat.
• Always apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher

Those dark tans may look good and make you feel better about yourself but studies have shown that excessive UV exposure causes premature skin aging which includes wrinkles, dry skin, dark blotches, and small, red, dot-like skin lesions.

Children need special protection as research has shown that 1 severe sunburn with blisters and excessive peeling before the age of 18 doubles the risk for developing skin cancer in later life.