One of the greatest factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing the melanoma form of skin cancer is increased exposure to sunlight. This includes both every day exposure and the extra exposure that comes from time spent under the sun on the beach, for example. Scientists have speculated that the increase in skin cancer that has occurred may be due to the increase in sun exposure and tanning that people are subjecting themselves to across the United States. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, tanning booths present the same amount of danger because the ultraviolet light can still damage the skin.

The Dangers of Sun Exposure

It is the ultraviolet radiation from the sun or artificial light that can cause damage to the skin and thus melanoma. The artificial light can include ultraviolet radiation from sunlamps and tanning booths, which some people may consider safe since they are not direct exposure to the sun. However, they are mistaken. These means of light exposure can also cause just as much damage to the skin.

If you develop blistering, severe sunburn after exposure to the sun or other means of artificial light, you may be at an increased risk for developing the melanoma type of cancer. This is part of the reason why parents are urged to slather their children with sunscreen. Adults who get severe sunburns are still at an increased risk, though, so the risk doesn’t just lie within children who have been overexposed to the sun without protection.

Also, light skin and skin with many freckles is also more likely to be damaged from sun exposure than darker skin, as is the skin of people who live in areas with more sun exposure, like people who live in the southern part of the United States or on the coast.

A good rule of thumb to lessen your exposure to the sun is to avoid the sun during its peak hours, usually from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during daylight savings time. Also, wearing a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15 is key in preventing sunburns and skin damage. Sunglasses are also helpful in protecting the eyes from ocular melanoma and damage.