• Seek shade when the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Wear protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.

  • SPF protective clothing and accessories are available 

• Generously apply a broad-spectrum, physical sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

  • Use sunscreen whenever you are going to be outside, even on cloudy days.

  • Apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Most adults need about 1 ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully cover their body.

• When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging.

• Use a self-tanning product if you want to look tan, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

Regular checkups with a dermatologist are vital to detection of skin cancer. That said, self-checks are equally important. If you have any moles or spots that have the following schedule an appointment immediately:

Asymmetry: One-half is unlike the other half.

Border:  Borders that are not clearly defined; notched, scalloped, or even vague.

Colors: There are more shades or colors in one lesion; likely black, red, and even blue or white, sometimes all within the same lesion.

Diameter: Diameter is larger around than a standard pencil eraser. 

Evolving: A mole that changes its shape, size, color, or other aspects of its appearance over time—especially if it is a short amount of time is definite cause for concern.