Here's how you can keep skin cancer at bay

With skin cancer rates on the rise, you may want to revisit some simple tips for staying safe in the sun.

Melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer as per the American Academy of Dermatology, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells, Fox News reported.

Accounting for 4 percent of skin cancers, melanoma is responsible for 79 percent of skin cancer deaths and people are typically diagnosed with it between the ages of 45 and 55.

25 percent of the cases occur in individuals younger than 40 and melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 25 to 30.

Manuel Alvarez, a Cuban-American OB-GYN, shared few tips to help us prevent the disease.

His first suggestion was to take cover while out in sun as one only needs about 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to make vitamin D. One should never be unprotected during the middle of the day, from about 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and research shows a simple white T-shirt isn't enough.

Alvarez's second suggestion was to choose the right SPF as not all sunscreens offer protection against UVA and UVB rays.

As per Alvarez, a yearly skin check with dermatologist should be scheduled, no matter how old you are.

Last but not the least suggestion was to get your fill of antioxidants via a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.