The Dangers of Sun Exposure and How To Protect Yourself Against It

With summer right around the corner, families across the country are getting ready to hit the beach for those much-needed vacations. There's no better way to unwind than by lounging under the sun on a sandy-white beach. All of your day-to-day stressed will instantly melt away, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Sun Exposure and Cancer

It's important to remember, however, that overexposure to the sun can lead to painful burns while increasing your risk of developing certain types of cancer.

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the leading form of cancer in the U.S., affecting as many millions of people at any given time. The sun's ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) generate free radicals in the skin that may lead to the formation of cancerous cells; therefore, it's critical that beach-goers take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against sun exposure.

Don't Use The Tanning Beds!

Tanning beds are just as bed, if not worse, than actual sun exposure. They use special fluorescent lighting to mimic the effects of the sun, providing users with body a tan and a higher risk of skin cancer.

"People who begin tanning younger than age 35 have a 59% higher risk of melanoma. Using tanning beds also increases the risk of wrinkles and eye damage, and changes skin texture," states the CDC's official website.

If you want a darker skin complexion before hitting the beach, opt for a spray tan instead. It's faster, easier and won't increase your risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

How To Protect Yourself Against Sun Damage:

• Limit your exposure by staying in the shade when possible (note: set up a canopy or umbrella when lounging on the beach or by the pool.
• Wear a high-SPF sunscreen lotion if you intend to stay outside for longer than 20 minutes.
• Reapply sunscreen lotion after swimming (even so-called "waterproof" sunscreen lotion will come off in the water).
• Wear UV-protected sunglasses.

In the event that you develop a sunburn from overexposure to the sun, stay indoors until the condition has subsided. Placing yourself back under the say's powerful UVA and UVB rays will only make the burn worse, slowing down your body's natural healing process. You can apply an aloe moisturizing cream or gel to help soothe the painful burning sensation associated with sunburns.