Young women in higher socioeconomic groups get more melanoma.

A California study has found that girls and young women who live in wealthier neighborhoods enjoy more recreation in the sun. As a result, they have a higher risk of melanoma, an often-deadly skin cancer. Researchers suggested that this segment of the population can afford to buy more time at the beach, on the ski slopes, tennis courts and even gardening--thus increasing their exposure to UV-B.

PositiveTip: When in the sun for any extended period of time, use adequate sun-blocking creams on exposed skin to reduce the risk of melanoma. 

Is there such thing as a “safe tan”?

UVA rays and UVB rays are the sun rays that cause skin cancer, aging of the skin, wrinkles and other problems. There are several important ways to protect your skin from these harmful rays:

• Sunscreen: Choose sunscreens that say “broad-spectrum”. Also choose one’s that have a sun protection factor (spf) of 15 or greater. Apply 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours that you remain outdoors.
• Protective clothing: wear long sleeves, pants, hats, sunglasses and collars when you can.
• Shade: seek shade as much as possible, it won’t completely protect you, but it will help. Ultraviolet rays are present on cloudy days too, so make sure you are protected.