Just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence doubles your risk of developing melanoma. Five or more sunburns at any age will also double your risk. Over 60 thousand melanomas are diagnosed each year.
A few minutes of sun each day, even without sunscreen, can help your body produce vitamin D, and it may even improve your mood. But if you're going to be out in the sun for more than 15 minutes, make sure you slather on a good sunscreen and cover up with clothes and a hat. The midday sun is the strongest and most dangerous, so that's the time to be most cautious, or avoid the sun altogether.
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