Be sun smart

Just a few serious sunburns early in life can increase your risk for skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States.

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year in the U.S.," said Katherine Gilsenan, a wellness coach at the Baptist Healthy Living Center in Nocatee.

Gilsenan offered tips and separated fact from fiction to help you avoid skin cancer, not to mention premature aging.

5 tips to prevent sun damage

1. Slather on the sunscreen.

Apply water-resistant, broad-spectrum, SPF 30-50+ sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours. Be liberal with your application – a full ounce is recommended.

2. Be smart about shade.

The sun's rays are most harmful between 10 am and 4 pm, so if you're out during those times, seek shade under a tree, shelter or umbrella. Remember, you can still get sunburned in the shade, so use sunscreen.

3. Wear protective clothing.

Contrary to popular belief, white clothing isn't the best for the sun. Instead, wear dark or bright colors because they absorb more ultraviolet (UV) rays than lighter colors, like whites and pastels, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

4. Top it off with a hat.

A wide-brimmed hat isn't only a fashion statement, it goes a long way in protecting your face, neck, nose and ears. Baseball caps, while super cute, don't provide as much protection.

5. Sport cool shades.

Slide on a pair of sunglasses. Your eyes can also be damaged by the sun. Shades with UV protection are best for protecting your eyes.

Sun myths: fact or fiction?

You should wear sunscreen every day, even in winter.

Fact. Men, women and children over 6 months should wear sunscreen every day, no matter the season, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

You can't get sun inside a car.

Fiction. Car windows don't filter UV rays, so you can still get sun damage. Researchers at St. Louis University School of Medicine studied 900 people with skin cancer and found that 74% of melanomas occurred on the left side of their bodies, likely due to sun exposure through the driver's side window.

Water-resistant sunscreens won't wash off.

Fiction. According to the FDA, all sunscreens, even those labeled water-resistant, eventually wash off. Remember to reapply every two hours.

Getting a good base tan will protect your skin from sun damage.

Fiction. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a "base tan." Tanned skin is damaged skin. Any change in the color of your skin after time outside – whether sunburn or suntan – indicates damage from UV rays. This also means that even if you have darker skin color, you still need to protect it.

You can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes.

Fact. Even short periods of unprotected exposure can cause skin damage. If you're out during peak sun hours, it could take as little as five minutes.

Seek immediate care for severe sunburns

If you have severe sunburn accompanied by headache, fainting, facial swelling or fever, you should visit an Emergency Room. Baptist Health has ERs located throughout Northeast Florida.

Find immediate care