HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - Things are warming up in the Tennessee Valley, meaning many are getting ready to head to the pool or the beach to get a nice tan. But before you grab your swimsuit, experts are warning about sun exposure.

This isn’t the first time people have heard about protecting their skin, but a new statistic may make them even more cautious during summer.

Every year, health officials are seeing more and more cases of skin cancer. It’s the most common cancer worldwide, and in the past decade, the number of new cases has increased by 42%.

Doctor Joseph Michael Dai with the Aqua Medical Spa said several factors lead to this new statistic. Detection is getting better, certain generations are seeing the effects of tanning trends, and many people are not caring for their skin today.

Dai said for skin protection, be wary of any gimmicky trends online.

Protection from UV rays is simple and to the point. SPF 30 will do the trick, as well as photo protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats.

To reduce your risk, limit your sun exposure during peak hours of the day.

“I have definitely had more and more skin cancer in my practice,” Dai said. “If you have a little freckle or a little mole that’s asymmetric, got an irregular border, the color is funny, or it is changing - that is a good reason to come see us or your family doctor.”

Dai added that everyone should avoid tanning beds at all costs.

“There is that misnomer that getting that good base tan will protect you and help prevent sunburn,” Dai said. “If your skin is changing color, you’re getting red, pink or tan, that is evidence of sun damage, so once that happens, that DNA damage has already occurred.

“That base tan, maybe you don’t burn as much, but just the change in that color is showing you your skin is damaged and that is putting you at risk for skin cancer.”

Dai said early detection is key for skin cancer.

The American Cancer Society anticipates that over 104,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in 2025, and over 8,000 people will die from the cancer.

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