Students planning trips to beaches this spring break should enjoy the sun, but not ignore the hazardous repercussions of it.

Sunlight is the main source of ultraviolet radiation (UV) which is known to damage skin as well as cause cancer in humans. The strength of the light, the length of exposure, and whether the skin is protected determines the severity of UV exposure, according to the American Cancer Society.

"Skin cancer is the most prevalent forms of cancer in the country and the world," said Kevin Rosseel an employee at the global programs division at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Skin cancer is largely preventable, especially for students traveling to sunny places this spring break.

"Even though a tan looks good, it is a sign of damage to the skin," Rosseel said.

Many students are making trips to the tanning booths to get a good base tan before break. However, a cancer information specialist for the American Cancer Society said people should stay away from sun lamps and tanning booths. The sun lamps emit UVA and UVB radiation.

Lauren Farley (junior-management and international business) hopes to be on St. Michaels beach in Maryland for spring break. Farley said that she does go to the tanning booths occasionally regardless of the health warnings.

Having fair skin, Farley said that she has been burned by the sun before but does wear protection when outside.

"I will wear (SPF) 8 if I am out all day. Especially on my face," Farley said.

Ways to prevent skin cancer and harm to the skin is to limit time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., these hours are when ultra-violet rays are the most intense, Rosseel said.

Sunbathers should be using a sunscreen of 15 or higher, and they should reapply the screen every two hours and after they swim in the water, Rosseel said.

Wearing a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses that come with UVA and UVB protection guarantee are also helpful when venturing to the beach.

Sun can also harm a weak immune system.

A person with a compromised immune system, from reasons such as mono or tiredness, can have a greater sensitivity to sunlight. Overexposure to UV radiation may restrain proper functions of body's immune system and the skin's natural defenses, Rosseel said.

Taking herbal supplements such as echinacea or even dandruff shampoos could enhance effects of the sun. Beach-goers should check the product's label to make sure it doesn't have evidence of a tar ingredient in it, he added.

Rosseel also offers advice on the UV Index forecast, which indicates the amount of UV reaching the Earth's surface. The Index is located in most daily metropolitan newspapers.

"The Index is based on a scale of 0 to ten plus," said Rosseel.

If the Index is at 5 or 6 or higher, beach-goers should be careful of the enhanced UV.

If you get burned severely to the point of blistering, it can double your chances of melanoma. If you do get burned, you should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible, Rosseel said.

Despite the warnings, Farley is not that concerned with the effects of the sun this break and said, "I think I'll be okay."