If you enjoy the outdoors, make sure you stay safe in the sun. Skin cancer can strike at any age, but it is more common in older people. This is because older people have had more years in the sun. No matter what your age is, there is a lot you can do to prevent sunburn and skin cancer:

• Use sunscreen. Look on the label for the sun protection factor (SPF). Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you go out. Use it even on cloudy days. Put on more sunscreen every two hours. Do this more often if you get wet or sweat a lot.
• Plan ahead. Try to stay inside or in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Check your skin. Look for moles that change color or change shape. If you find a spot or mole that looks odd, have your physician check it.

Medications and Sun Safety
Some medicines and skin products can make your skin more likely to get sunburned. This includes medications such as diuretics (such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide), antibiotics (such as Bactrim, Levaquin, or minocycline), heart medicines (such as lisinopril or quinapril), and diabetes medications (such as glyburide or glimepiride). To avoid problems, cover your skin and be sure to apply sunscreen regularly.