According to The Skin Cancer Foundation:

1. If you have had 5 or more sunburns in your lifetime it doubles your risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
2. Seek shade. Remember the sun’s rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Simple rule: If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
3. Wear protective clothing when possible. For example, long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses. But take note: if the T-shirt is so thin that you can see through it. The sun’s rays can penetrate it too, so you still need sunblock on your skin.
4. Generously apply a broad-spectrum SPF of 15 or higher to all exposed skin everyday before going outdoors.
5. Examine your skin from head to toe every month. If you notice a bleeding, growing or new mole, or any other significant change, schedule an appointment with your physician immediately. And consult a dermatologist annually.

It goes without saying, but a good summer tan is not worth taking years off your life. And I don’t want to scare you, but studies show that everyday “incidental” exposure is a larger culprit in sun damage than intensive tanning sessions. That probably has something to do with the cumulative effects of exposure daily compared with the less frequent stints at the pool or beach or tanning salon baking at short intervals.

But if you absolutely can’t become part of the shade worshipers, do become part of the SPF faithful with products like Eucerin’s daily body lotion with SPF. As will all SPF products you have to reapply every few hours for it to remain effective, but a little help is better than nothing at all. Stay mindful and try prev