1. It can happen at any age. Even if you’ve reformed your sun-worshipping ways and slather on sunscreen daily, you’re not in the clear. Even a burn as a baby can cause skin cancer later in life. So is it safe to slather your newborn with sunscreen? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it's OK to apply a small amount of sunscreen on infants younger than six months. Use a special baby-safe formula, such as Cellex-C Baby SunSafe Cream SPF 30, or talk to your doctor about other options.

2. Genetics matter. Medline Plus points out that a family history of skin cancer can elevate your chances of developing this disease. In fact, research shows that if a close relative has experienced skin cancer, you may have twice the normal risk.

In addition, genetic disorders like albinism may also increase your chances of developing skin cancer. Talk to your family doctor to learn more about your genetic risk factors.

3. No tanning beds — ever. Despite misleading claims by the tanning industry that promote tanning beds as a healthy alternative to increase the body’s level of vitamin D, experts agree that tanning is never safe — no matter what. A 2008 study from the University of New Mexico Cancer Research and Treatment Center revealed that tanning beds are not safer than the sun. It also concluded that tanning beds may have separate risks that elevate the chances for skin cancer that are not yet understood.

Thankfully, there are plenty of great — and safe — products that can help you create a beautiful bronze color in the comfort of home. TanTowel On The Glow Body is a daily moisturizer with color-enhancing ingredients. With daily use, you can slowly develop a natural-looking glow with no unsightly streaks. The skin-healthy blend includes jojoba, avocado and olive oils to hydrate the skin and oat kernel extract to soothe it.

4. Clothing doesn’t always cut it. When it comes to shielding your skin from the sun, never assume that covering up with a T-shirt means you’re safe. Most T-shirts offer little protection — often less than SPF 15. So, if you plan to spend the day outside, it’s essential to apply some additional protection.

The Center for Disease Control recommends long-sleeved shirts and pants made with tightly woven fabric to protect from UV rays. Also, keep in mind that a wet T-shirt offers less protection than a dry one, and dark fabrics may offer more protection than light-colored clothes. When in doubt, apply an all-over layer of SPF like PCA SKIN pHaze 30 Perfecting Body Hydrator SPF 30 before you get dressed. You also might want to look into SPF-treated clothes.

5. Get screened. Even though skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, it’s also the most preventable. The best prevention plan includes both professional and at-home screening practices. Schedule a skin exam at least once a year with your dermatologist or family physician. At your appointment, the doctor will examine your skin thoroughly for unusual moles or markings.

It’s also smart to do a self-exam once a month. When performing a self-exam, examine your body from head to toe for the following signs:

• New markings including moles, blemishes, patches of discoloration and bumps
• Moles that have changed in appearance — including size, symmetry, texture, color or shape
• Moles or lesions that bleed

6. Understand SPF. When it comes to sunscreen, there are countless products on the market. So how do you pick the best of the bunch? First, examine the SPF (or sun protection factor) listed on the bottle. This is the most important indicator about the level of protection a particular sunscreen offers – but only against UVB rays, not UVA.

As Mayo Clinic points out, SPF is a measure of how much UVB light a formula blocks. In general, the higher the SPF, the greater the sun protection. But SPF 30 doesn’t provide double the protection of SPF 15. SPF 30 protects against 97 percent of UVB rays; SPF 15 protects against 93 percent.

Experts advise using a broad-spectrum (shields from both UVB and UVA rays) sunblock with SPF 15 or greater. SPF 15 is best for incidental exposure, but go higher when you’re spending substantial time outdoors. Importantly, remember that an SPF 50 lotion still needs to be reapplied as often as an SPF 15.

7. Apply sunscreen correctly. The proper application of sunscreen is essential for preventing skin cancer. Here are tips for understanding when and how much product to apply:

• When to apply: It can take up to 30 minutes for your skin to completely absorb sunscreen. Make sure to apply it approximately a half an hour before heading outside. Experts recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours.

• How much to apply: A common mistake when it comes to sunscreen is not applying enough. How much should you use? According to Heather Brannon, M.D., of About, use enough lotion that it leaves a thin film when first applied.

8. Everyone’s at risk. Most people associate the typical skin cancer candidate with blond hair, blue eyes and freckles. While these characteristics do fit an individual who has an elevated risk for developing skin cancer, it’s important to understand that everyone is susceptible to skin cancer — including people with darker complexions.

And, although the risk of developing skin cancer isn't as high for those with naturally dark skin, these individuals are especially at risk for melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. In fact, a recent study reports that the incidence of melanoma is on the rise among Latinos.

9. Timing is important. When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, timing is key — but maybe not in the way you think. While UV rays are typically the most intense during the middle of the day (from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.) and during late spring and early summer, they can still damage your skin during other times as well.

UV rays can easily penetrate through clouds to deliver damage and can also bounce off cement, snow and other surfaces to cause a burn. If you love being outside in the wintertime, make sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas.

Regardless of the season or weather, sunscreen should be part of every daily routine. For everyday use, Prevage Day Ultra Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 by Elizabeth Arden contains Idebenone complex, a potent antioxidant that protects skin while reducing the appearance of existing sun damage.

10. Building a base tan doesn’t protect skin. The idea that a few visits to the tanning bed will prevent a sunburn on your upcoming beach vacation is simply not true. In fact, according to Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson of Mayo Clinic, building a base tan does more harm than good as it accelerates the signs of aging and elevates the risk of skin cancer.

See also:

Sunscreens that Save Your Skin and Your Wallet

Sun-Safe Solutions for Commonly Missed Places

Does Mineral Makeup Provide Enough Sun Protection?

Skincare Hits the Slopes: Caring for Skin While Skiing and Snowboarding