Skin plays a vital role in keeping you healthy. It is the largest organ in your body, and it protects you from potential problems caused by such factors as dehydration, the sun, bacterial infections, and pollution. However, there are limits to the skin's ability to provide protection. Various factors can cause damage that cannot be repaired. This is how skin cancer may develop.

Most people are unable to treat skin cancer on time because they do not come to know that they have skin cancer. Certain outgrowths, moles and discoloration on the skin are taken as normal skin problems.

Anyone can develop skin cancer. It does not attack any particular age, race or skin type. Certain skin types are more vulnerable to skin cancer as compared to others. People with fair skin, light hair and light eye colour or a large number of moles or freckles are more vulnerable

One of the main causes of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays. UV rays are invisible, and are produced by the sun and tanning lamps. Most often, skin cancer is the result of overexposure to the sun.

Here are the main actions to prevent from cancer:

- Tip 1

Make sure that you protect yourself from the harmful ultra-violet rays of sun. Apply a good sunscreen with high SPF or sun protection factor generously before going out in the sun. Re-apply 15 to 30 minutes after sun exposure begins. You should also re-apply sunscreen after vigorous activity that could remove the product, such as swimming, towelling or excessive sweating and rubbing.

- Tip 2

Do not spend a lot of time outdoors. Arrange your time in the sun for morning or afternoon, and avoid high noon. Dress in dark colours and protective clothing. Also wear good quality sunglasses to protect your eyes and surrounding tissues. Select shaded areas for outdoor activities. Always use sunscreen and lip balm.

Limit exposure to reflective surfaces such as snow, water, concrete and sand. Remember that water activities can increases exposure to reflective UV rays.

- Tip 3

Most people are under a notion that a tanning bed can be safe option. A tanning-bed can be more dangerous than exposing your skin to sun’s rays. Better is to use a sunless tanning lotion. It is available in different varieties for different skin types. Remember that a sunless tan lotion will not provide you SPF protection.

The rule is that the best colour for you is the one you were born with. Keep checking your body regularly for any moles lesions or skin irregulation. See your doctor right away if you notice an abnormally dark or discoloured patches or spots, or bleeding, crusting or change in the colour, size, or shape of a mole.