By:Kassata Edwards

Fresno, CA-  We've all heard the importance of putting on sunscreen before going outside, but these days it matters more than ever.

According to the American Cancer Society there are more that one million people diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the United States. Dr. Dina Ibrahim from the California Cancer Center says the best way to avoid skin damage is to follow a year-round safe-skin regimen.

"If you are going to be out in the sun playing golf, walking around, you have to wear long sleeves. That's really the best protection" says Ibrahim.

Most people believe if you go sleeveless you'll be cooler, but Sherrie Bakke with the American Cancer Society says that's not so. "Natural fabrics, linen, and cotton are very cool and they really help the temperature of your body," says Bakke.

There are even clothes available with SPF threads woven into them that parents can buy online with a dual cause; covering children up while letting them wear in the water.

Experts say you should wear sun-screen year round, and it's recommended that you apply one ounce of sun-screen to your entire body, every 30 minutes before going outside.

"Slip, slop, slap" is a clever phrase to keep in mind when it comes to sun safety. "Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, and slap on a hat; then you want to wrap around sunglasses" says Bakke. Bakke says to keep in mind that the sun's rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.

When determing the sun's intensity, many experts say to use the shadow test; when your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the strongest.

People who are at risk for skin cancer are individuals with red or blonde hair and fair skin that freckles or burns easily. However, experts say that people of every age and complexion should take precaution.

For more information and tips on how to protect yourself head over to: http://www.skincancer.org/ .