Now we’re in winter, most of us are looking forward to enjoy the summer sun. However, the sun, despite being our friend and ally to health, it is an enemy to your skin. Like everything else, and we take it as a precaution. Exposure to ultraviolet – UV – the sun, are the main cause of skin cancer. Moreover, these rays are responsible for wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Do you want a skin of 30 years when you have 40? The key is to remember to protect yourself from the sun. While in youth damage from the sun is not apparent, then it will become evident.

Skin cancer is most common in the U.S. and each day new cases. As if you did not know, there are 3 types of skin cancer:

* Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of skin cancer. It develops when cells in the lower layer of skin grow abnormally.
* Squamous cell carcinoma: in this type of skin cancer, changes occur in the squamous cells that are in the middle layer of the skin.
* Melanoma: Although less common than the other two types of cancer, is the most dangerous and that takes more lives. It develops in the melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment.

The first two types of cancer are known as nonmelanoma “and can be treated if detected early. Melanoma, on the other hand, is much more dangerous and if left untreated, can spread rapidly to other organs of the body and be fatal.

What causes skin cancer? Exposure to ultraviolet-UV of the sun are the main cause, but the cameras or tanning beds also pose a serious threat to the health of the skin. It is also important to note that sun exposure during the winter months is equally damaging than during the summer. So do not trust!

Do you think dark skinned people do not give them skin cancer? This is a myth. While it is true that there are risk factors that make certain people are more likely to develop it, skin cancer can affect anyone. Anyway here are the factors that increase risk:

* Have clear skin
* Genetics: if there is a history of skin cancer in the family.
* Age: skin cancer-especially those of the non-melanomas are more common after age 40.
* Sun exposure and sunburn.

Now that you know the risk factors, you’re wondering if there is any way to prevent this cancer. The answer is yes, and for sure you’re familiar (a) with some forms of prevention, such as wearing sunscreen with a protection factor, SPF-15 or higher. You aplicártelo 30 minutes before sun exposure and then to pass within hours. In addition to preventing skin cancer is recommended:

* Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 3 pm.
* Choose cosmetics with UV protection factor.
* Wear sunglasses with UV protection factor.
* Get to know your skin to detect changes in color or existing moles.

Previously it was thought that 80% of sun damage occurred before age 18, now known to have purchased only 23% of the dose of ultraviolet rays. So there is no reason not to always take care. Although we know that if you suffered a severe burn in the sun before age 18, double your chances of getting cancer as an adult. This is a warning to parents not to neglect their children’s skin. You must be a role model, the skin is the largest organ of the body, is invaluable and we look after.