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Protecting your skin in summer is more important than ever. Here's why: over 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. The lifetime risk of developing skin cancer is one in five. The incidence of malignant melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, is doubling every eight to 10 years.

Sunlight can penetrate unprotected skin, causing damage to DNA, the genetic chromosomal component of skin cells. UVB radiation is more intense in the summer months and is responsible for sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer. UVA radiation remains constant throughout the year, penetrates more deeply and causes premature aging of the skin as well as skin cancer. Follow these tips for everyday skin protection to decrease your personal risk of sun damage and skin cancer:

• Apply a broad–spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes prior to exposure; reapply every two hours.
  
• Use at least one ounce for the entire body, and don't forget your lips, ears, neck and hands.
  
• The SPF, or sun protection factor, rating only indicates UVB protection. An SPF of 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB radiation, one of SPF 30 blocks 97 percent. New regulations for UVA protection and product labeling are expected shortly.
  
• Discard old or expired sunscreen.
  
• Avoid the sun's strongest rays–between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  
• Cover up with protective clothing, including a wide–brim hat.
  
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