People can protect themselves against ultraviolet light damage by taking simple precautions.

• Using Sunscreens  A sunscreen of at least SPF (sunlight protection factor) 15 is recommended. The sunscreen
  preparation should be applied frequently, and more often with sweating and when swimming. Sunscreen use
  should begin in infancy.
      Regular use of sunscreens with an SPF of 15 during the first 18 years of life can reduce the lifetime incidence
  of skin cancer by as much as 78 percent. One serious childhood or adolescent sunburn doubles the chances of
  developing skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma.
      Most sunscreens absorb the ultraviolet light of the B wavelength and prevent it from penetrating the skin.
  The SPF number correlates with the amount of time one can spend in the sun before the skin becomes pink or
  red. For example, if an SPF 15 is worn, a person can remain exposed to the sun 15 times longer without the
  skin becoming pink.
      The majority of sunscreens available in Canada provide UVA protection against penetration of
  longer-wavelength ultraviolet light of the A-type. The screens actually allow more exposure to the A-type
  radiation by allowing a person to remain outside longer. However, sun exposure should be kept to a minimum.