Summer is here... protect your skin!

According to new research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the majority of Americans are not regularly using sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun's harmful UV rays. A 2013 survey asked participants how often they use sunscreen when outside in the sun for more than an hour.

Only 14.3% of men and 29.9% of women reported that they regularly use sunscreen on both their face and other exposed skin.

The study also showed that women are most likely to use sunscreen on their face than other exposed skin. "Women may be more likely to use sunscreen on the face because of the anti-aging benefits, or because of the many cosmetic products on the market that contain sunscreen," says Dawn Holman, MPH, a behavioral scientist at the CDC and the study's lead author. Everyone is at risk for skin cancer and should use the proper methods to protect their skin.

Follow these American Academy of Dermatology tips for effective sunscreen use:

1. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
2. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.
3. Use enough sunscreen to cover your whole body (about an ounce for most adults), and apply it to all exposed areas, including the ears, scalp, tops of the feet and legs.
4. Ask someone else to help you apply sunscreen on hard-to-reach spots like your back.
5. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.

The Academy also offers these additional sun protection tips:

1. Seek shade, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest.
2. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.
3. Use extra caution near water, sand or snow, all of which can reflect and intensify UV rays.
4. If you want to look tan, use a self-tanning product, but continue using sunscreen with it.

"Using sunscreen can reduce your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, but it shouldn't be your only line of defense against the sun," Holman says. "It's best to combine sunscreen with other forms of sun protection.

"1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime," says Dr. Mark Lebwohl, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Visit this website to view the Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens and for more helpful information about sunscreen.

One key goal that research supports: avoid sunburns, no matter your age!