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Sun exposure adds up day after day. It happens whenever you're outdoors: gardening, sailing, skiing, fishing, hiking, and simply walking to and from the car.

Sunlight reflects off water, sand, concrete, boat decks, and snow. It also reaches below the water's surface. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are present even on cloudy days.

Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, whatever their skin color. Everyone needs to protect themselves from the sun. Here are a few actions you can take to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

From the American Cancer Society: Slip! Slop! Slap!®

- Slip on a shirt. Choose shirts and pants to protect as much skin as possible.

- Slop on sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

- Slap on a hat. Choose a hat that shades the face, neck and ears.

- Wrap on sunglasses. Protect your eyes from UV rays.

- Limit sun exposure. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the UV rays are strongest.

Caution: Sunlamps and tanning booths are just as harmful to your skin as the sun. Some prescription drugs can greatly increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays. Check with your pharmacist.

Parents: Take Note!

Avoiding sunburn during childhood and adolescence is very important in reducing the risk of skin cancer later in life.

Sunscreen is not recommended for children less than six months old. Keep infants in the shade and protected with clothing.

Sun Facts

1. Did you know that as little as 2 minutes of sun exposure is enough to begin the production of UV free radical damage?

2. 50 to 80% of our lifetime sun damage occurs before the age of 18.

3. 33% of adolescents NEVER use sunscreens.

4. 3% of childhood cancers are skin cancers.

5. 93% of parents do not correctly use sunscreen on their children.

6. Cancer of the skin (including melanoma and non-melanoma) is the most common of all cancers. Accounting for 40% of all cancers.

7. Skin cancers kill more women in their late 20's to early 30's than breast cancer.

8. 1.3 million cases of non-melanoma and skin cancers are found in the United States each year.

9. Melanoma accounts for 4% of the skin cancer cases about 79% of skin cancer deaths.

10. More than one death per hour in the U.S. due to skin cancers.

11. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor in skin cancers.

12. Skin cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect in its earliest stages, as the signs are present on the surface of the skin.

13. Because children spend a lot of time outdoors, they get an average of three times more sun exposure than adults.

14. Not all sun protection products provide both UVA and UVB protection.

15. Sunscreens are not created equal! there are two types of sunscreens, chemical and physical. Chemical screens need to be applied at least 15 to 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and will only filter UVB rays, leaving you unprotected from harmful UVA damage. the second type of sunscreen is classified as a physical block. Physical sun blocks contain either Zinc Oxide or titanium dioxide and provide immediate protection upon application from both UVA and UVB damage.

16. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin and can often be irritating especially to sensitive skin.

17. UV radiation produced by the sun can be as detrimental on a cloudy day as a sunny one.

18. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Sunscreens are rated and classified by the strength of their SPF. SPF rating refer to the product's ability to screen or block the suns burning rays.

19. DPF ratings refer only to UVB protection. It's important to check sunscreen labels to ensure that the product is a "broad-spectrum sunscreen" that also offers protection from UVA. Products containing micronized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are among those that provide protection against both UVA and UVB.

20. there is no such thing as a "safe tan" when it is produced by the sun. Self-tanners and bronzing powders are the only safe way to provide the "look" of a tan.

21. Reapplication of water resistant sunscreens is recommended because most people wipe off the protective barrier provided by the product when toweling dry.

22. Sun protection, such as Solar Shade SPF 45, is needed when you are using any products containing AHA's, glycolic's, retinoids (Retin-A™/ Renova™), or any other type of exfoliant, as well as certain medications and supplements, as they can cause the skin to be more sensitive to sun exposure.

23. 90% of women have some type of pigmentation problem due to pregnancy, (melasma), hormones, birth control pills, and sun damage.

24. Sun exposure further darkens areas of pigmentation. You must apply a broad-spectrum sunblock to avoid further darkening of these areas.

25. The use of a good sun protection product should be part of a daily morning routine.

26. According to a recent study conducted by dermatologists, reflection of the sun in addition to the direct sunlight can add an additional 40% ultraviolet intensity to that exposure. In addition, ultraviolet intensities at altitudes of 8,000 to 11,000 feet have been shown to be 60 to 80% higher than at sea level for the same altitude. These results confirm the need for regular UV protection to minimize subsequent lifetime melanoma risks.

If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic surgery of the eyes,