GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- While you may regularly wear sunscreen at a picnic or during a day at the beach, it's not likely you slather on the sunscreen for a day at work. A new study might convince you to start.
Two types of skin cancer are on the rise among women, according to a report published by Mayo Clinic. The rate of new cases of squamous cell carcinoma rose 263 percent among women between 2000 and 2010 and rose 145 percent in the general population.
Dr. Rachel Laarman, a pediatric dermatologist from Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, believes the rise in skin cancer cases stems back to indoor tanning beds. "Tanning beds became popular and as people were seeking indoor tanning year round they were increasing their UV exposure dramatically and that really impacted the skin cancer rates," she said.
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and melanoma is the most dangerous.
Dr. Laarman recommends that parents begin protecting their kids against the sun now, because in most people's lifetime they receive about 70 percent of UV exposure before they are 20.
Laarman says you should be applying sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating. Make sure you use sunscreen that says broad spectrum coverage and SPF 30 or higher.
Here are some signs of skin cancer to watch for: spots on skin that may not be healing, a new mole or one that isn't symmetric, or a mole that has red, white or blue in it.
It's not just our skin to be concerned about; it's also important to protect your eyes from UV rays. You should wear sunglasses that block UV rays whenever you are outside, according to the National Eye Institute. When shopping for sunglasses, look for a tag or label that says you are getting 100 percent protection against but UVA and UVB rays, and buy from a reputable retailer.
Experts also suggest wearing the largest pair of sunglasses possible, to protect eyelids and surrounding skin.
Sunglasses with polarization is not necessary, just an added benefit.
Keep in mind UV radiation can go through windows, causing skin damage even when you're indoors.