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Saturday is the unofficial start of sun-tanning season in northwestern Pennsylvania. Presque Isle State Park opens its beaches that day. Though Lake Erie is still too chilly for most of us to take a dip, thousands of us will head down to the peninsula -- weather permitting -- to lie on the beach and soak up some rays in Designer Sunglasses. Be careful, though, said Peggy Camino, an oncology nurse navigator with Saint Vincent Health Center. "The sun's rays nourish your body, but they can also be damaging," Camino said. "You really need to take precautions before going out in the sun, especially if you have fair skin, light hair or light-colored eyes you'd better in designer sunglasses like chanel sunglasses ,gucci sunglasses, and prada sunglasses." People who suffer severe sunburns as children or young adults have a higher risk of developing skin cancer later in life, according to the American Cancer Society. That includes melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Melanoma incidence rates have risen across the country, including in Erie County. The county's rate rose from 12.7 cases per 100,000 between 1996 and 2000, to 14.9 cases between 2004 and 2006, reported the Erie County Department of Health. Pennsylvania has reported a similar increase statewide. "Since then, the rate has risen and there is a strong trend of increasing incidence (of melanoma) among teenagers and young adults," said Hank Hill, M.D., a Saint Vincent surgical oncologist. Most melanoma cases can be traced to unprotected and excessive exposure to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet light, the American Cancer Society reported. The good news is that you don't have to avoid the sun to reduce your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. You just have to follow a few simple tips, Camino said. Cover up, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These are the hours when the sun's rays are the strongest and most damaging, Camino said. "If you go out during those hours, use sunscreen with a (sun protection factor) of at least 15," Camino said. "It will protect you from 93 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays. If you have sensitive skin, you might need something with an SPF of 30 or greater." In addition to slathering on the sunscreen, wear clothes and a wide-brimmed hat if you're headed out to garden, mow the lawn or watch a baseball game. They also offer protection from the sun. Wear light clothing for comfort, but remember that if you can see through the material, the sun's UV rays can get through, too. If you use sunscreen, reapply it every two hours or more frequently if you sweat a lot or go swimming. "Make sure you apply at least an ounce of it, and do it at least 30 minutes before you head outside," Camino said. Protect your eyes, too. Wear sunglasses whenever you go out in the sun, Camino said. You will see better, be more comfortable and reduce your risk of skin cancer. "You can get melanoma of the eye," Camino said. "Use sunglasses that block 99 percent or more of the UV rays. Most of them say it on the glasses." A pair of Designer Sunglassesalso prevent other types of eye damage from the sun. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. This is a point of controversy because the owners of many tanning businesses insist their beds are safe. "They are not safe. Not at all," Camino said. "According to the American Cancer Society, people who tan regularly before the age of 30 have a 75 percent higher risk of developing melanoma than those who don't." Tanning lamps give off UV rays that can cause long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Be aware of the sun's rays, even if you have dark skin. Light-skinned people are at highest risk if skin cancer, but melanoma and other cancer are found in African-Americans, Hispanics and other people with darker skin. "Melanoma is uncommon in darker skinned people, but it's more deadly because it's not detected as easily," Camino said. So, visit Presque Isle this summer and have fun. Just plan ahead and protect your skin.