How to Naturally Reduce your Skin Cancer Risk

A little sun is nice on the skin, warming us up and boosting our mood. But too much sun can elevate our risk of developing skin cancer , the most common cancer in Australian adults.

And given our rate of skin cancer Down Under is three times the rates in the UK, US, and Canada, we all need to adopt healthy sun habits.

Here are a few easy ways to reduce your skin cancer risk:

1.Slip, slop, slap

Yep, that 80s advertising slogan is still as real and relevant as ever slip on a t-shirt, slop on some sunscreen, and slap on a hat. It's even been updated to include wrapping on sunglasses.

Never leave the house with unprotected skin, and be sun smart even when it's overcast or raining.

2.Seek the shade

As much as possible, stay in the shade. Between 10am and 4pm, the sun's UV radiation peaks. So either walk with an umbrella (see it as a chic fashion statement) or stay under cover as much as you can.

If you want to play or exercise outdoors, do it in the early morning or evening when the sun?s rays are less strong.

3.Avoid sunburn

It?s simple ? avoid sunburn and you'?ll reduce your risk of melanoma. They say that if you get sunburn five or more times, your lifetime risk doubles. That's pretty scary for us Aussies who spent childhoods in the sun!

When your skin starts to turn pink, seek cover straight away.

4.Don't use tanning beds

Like, ever. There is a big push to ban tanning and sun beds and lamps, since they are incredibly dangerous and proven to cause skin cancer.

Embrace the pale look. There are loads of beautiful celebrities who stay out of the sun and have lovely crimson skin. And remember that a tan doesn't equal health in fact, it means the exact opposite.

For more skin cancer tips, see the Cancer Council website .