Many of us enjoy spending time outdoors. Whether we are swimming in a pool, golfing, hiking, lounging on the beach, or working in the garden, we are all affected in one way or another by the sun and its ultraviolet rays. Professional studies have shown over and over that the skin cancer can be caused and or worsened by exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays over an extended period of time. While the best protection from these rays is simply staying out of the sun, it is not likely that most individuals would be willing or able to do this on a daily basis. However, there is an extremely beneficial product that can help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer and is a well known product called sunscreen. Sunscreen can be applied to exposed areas of the body. Each product contains special ingredients that work together to deflect the sun’s harmful rays. Properly applying sunscreen to the body can give individuals the opportunity to spend quality time outdoors without severely damaging their skin. While sunscreen is a necessity these days, it does not provide full protection from the sun. It is helpful to take other precautions, as well as routinely applying sunscreen. Avoiding the sun during peak UV radiation periods which are typically from 10am to 2pm, seeking shade under trees or coverings, and wearing protective clothing such as wide brim hats and long sleeved shirts will all help in protecting your skin. The sun’s UV rays not only encourage skin cancer, but they also increase premature aging, sunspots, and discoloration of the skin. It is much easier to take a proactive approach to these issues, rather than being forced to deal with them down the road. While these recommendations might take some additional thought and effort, your body and health are certainly worth it.