Sun Protection Isn't Just For the Beach

If you're like most people, you probably associate sun protection with lazy summer days by the pool or at the beach. You probably don't think to tuck a tube of sunscreen or a cap into your winter coat.

But ultraviolet (UV) rays don't disappear when the temperatures drop. While the sun may not be as strong in your part of the world during the winter months, its UV rays are reflected off of water and snow, and they are just as damaging now as they are in summer.

The most important way to lower your risk of skin cancer is to protect yourself from UV rays. That means a number of things: remembering to cover your head, wear sunglasses, and apply sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 or more to any part of your body that's exposed. Put it on before you go out, and reapply it 20 minutes later to be sure you're covered. And don't skip it just because it looks overcast outside: UV light still comes through on hazy days.

Don't forget to protect your lips by using a lip balm with SPF, and invest in wrap-around sunglasses with at least 99% UV absorption to block damaging UVA and UVB light.

Learn what to look for when you're checking your skin.

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