Skin cancer is on the rise. While skin cancers usually affect Caucasians, outside workers, smoker,s and those with a family history of skin cancer, everyone is at risk. Statistics demonstrate that the cases of skin cancer have doubled every decade over the past forty years, and we need to take action how to prevent skin cancer from affecting us.

There are several types of skin cancer, two of which can be quite lethal if left unattended. That's why it's so important to adhere to the following skincare tips. Some of the following information has been provided by NHS Direct Online, the world's largest healthcare organization.

The best way to protect your skin against cancer is to take care in the sun. Take preventative action and avoid burning the skin. Cover up with loose fitting clothes, because the damage is done the minute the skin has been burned by the sun.

Make sure to cover your legs and arms if at all possible as well. Heat stroke can be prevented if you wear loose fitting clothes and drink lots and lots of water to replace what you lose.

The best clothes for sun protection are those made of fabrics that are tightly woven. Also, try to avoid being out in the sun during the hottest hours of the day, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you must be outdoors during these hours, cover up with clothes, use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.

Always use a sun protection lotion with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, although exceptionally fair-skinned people, children and people living in exposed areas of the world need to use lotions with an SPF of up to 40.

Your entire body should be covered by your sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. While it's always necessary to cover your exposed areas including the face, neck, feet and hands, don't forget the other areas that may be exposed. Remember, the most vulnerable parts of your body are those that are not normally touched by the sun.

Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun, and reapply it every couple of hours. Sweat, water and friction from towels and lawn furniture will cause the lotion to rub away, so it's important to keep reapplying it. Even waterproof lotion should be reapplied after swimming.

You should also consider wearing waterproof sun protection when you are out swimming. UVA and UVB rays can pierce through two feet of water. You should also remember that clouds and fog do not prevent the ultraviolet rays from penetrating and getting to your skin -- that's the job of the ozone layer (which we by the way are killing off).

In addition to the skin, you must protect your head and eyes from the sun's damaging rays. Always wear a hat and sunglasses that have UVA and UVB filters in the lenses. Ultraviolet rays can harm the retinas of the eyes and create cataracts.