MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - With the summer season in full swing, it is important to understand the dangers of sun exposure and the effect it can have on your skin and health.

Protecting yourself from the suns UV rays can spell the difference between you and skin cancer further down the road.

Take great precautions when deciding to spend a day out at the beach or pool, or even when you will be outside for long periods of time. According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and death rates are some of the highest of any cancer.

The suns UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. To protect yourself from the sun, apply generous amounts of sun screen and do not spend ample amounts of time sunbathing. Re-apply sunscreen every so often, especially after swimming or sweating.

Wearing protective clothing can also reduce the risk of skin cancer. Long sleeved shirts along with pants and hats can prevent UV rays from damaging your skin.

There is no such thing as a safe tan. Those who actively seek out tanning salons are not doing themselves any favors.

Yuelin Xu, M.D. of Messenger Dermatology in Lansing, MI says, "It used to be said that UVB rays would cause cancer, now we know that it is UVA that causes cancer, it's just a different magnitude. If you have large amounts of exposure you'll have high damage, if you have small amounts of exposure, you'll have low damage. The damage to your skin is cumulative."