Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it's time to start thinking about skin protection. Skin cancer is a particularly deadly form of cancer that virtually anyone can develop. There are ways to protect yourself from the dangers of sun exposure. These protective procedures are especially important if you have a family member who has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Here are four ways to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.

Avoid Sun Exposure During Peak Hours

Your skin is in the most danger when the sun is at its brightest. Because of that, you should avoid sun exposure during those peak hours. If you're not sure how to tell when the sun is at its brightest, take the shadow test. Stand outside until you find your shadow. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is at its brightest.

Wear a Hat When You're outside

When you're outside, the top of your head, your ears and your face are exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays. That's why you should always wear a hat when you go outside. Choose a hat that provides the maximum coverage for those delicate areas. One with a wide brim will cover your head, as well as your ears and face.

Cover Up the Skin

One of the easiest ways to protect your skin is to cover up whenever you go outside. Your clothes should cover your arms and legs, as well as a good portion of your neck and chest. To keep cool and still protect your skin, choose a lightweight material with a tight weave. Not sure how to tell if your clothing is tightly woven? Hold the material up to the light. If you can see through the material easily, the material will not protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

See Your Dermatologist

If you've never been to a dermatologist, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. This is true even if you don't see any moles or questionable marks on your skin. Your dermatologist will be able to inspect your skin, including the areas that you can't see clearly, and mark areas that might require routine exams. It's important to note that if you have a mole that has changed color or appearance, you should contact your dermatologist or a dermatology clinic immediately.

Whether you spend a lot of time outside or not, you need to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. The tips provided above will help protect you from skin cancer.

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