If you’re like most people, you probably spend much of your summer season in places near the beach. We all like a mild climate and we enjoy athletic activities in these places. Some of these activities include swimming, biking and playing some outdoor games. There are many instances during a normal day that we are exposed to direct sunlight and its dangers. That’s why we always need to apply sunscreen.

Living in a cooler, northern climate doesn’t keep us safe from skin cancer. The summers can be humid, and even when the sun is not always visible during winter season, the UV rays are constantly around us so we have to use sunscreen.

You may not think skin cancer is such a big deal but the truth is, as long as you are living in a world that has thinning protection against the sun’s harmful rays, you are at risk of developing skin cancer.

There are also myths associated with skin cancer that makes us complacent. Here they are.

Myth: Tanning Beds are Safe

People who use tanning beds instead of direct sun exposure to get that golden glow they want are still exposed to UV rays. Tanning beds use UVA rays rather than UVB rays, but 20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to four hours in the sun. This is because UVA gets inside the skin cells more deeply than UVB. The more tan you get, the more deeply the UVA rays have penetrated your skin. You’re in danger of getting immune-compromised if you keep this up, but that’s the least of your worries. What really need to worry about is getting skin cancer.

Myth: Not Going to the Beach Means You’re Less Exposed

Even on cloudy days, you are exposed to the sun. The beach, although the haven for sun worshippers and beach-ready bodies, is not the only place to get exposed to the sun. You get exposed to the same amount of UV rays that beach goers get just by doing menial chores without sufficient sun protection. You’re at risk of getting skin cancer even if you just leave the home to go to your car, walk the dog or let your children out to play at any time of year.

This is the reason why most people use lightweight clothing that covers their arms even when they’re not at the beach. Sunscreen must be applied every two hours or after getting soaked in water.

Myth: Being Darker Means You’re less Likely to Develop Skin cancer

This is a common myth. It seems that dark skinned individuals think they are less likely to develop cancer, but the risk is the same. If you’re artificially dark, or you have been tanning for a long time, the risk is double. Tanned skin is really skin that has been damaged. Repeated tanning means more skin injures, and this leads to greater risk.

So how do you protect yourself and your family from cancer? Limit sun exposure, especially for babies. Regularly examine your skin for early signs of damage. And most of all, use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure, and every two hours after initial application.