With the most common form of cancer -- skin cancer -- on the rise, it's hard not to fret about soaking up too much sunlight this season. So, how to build up your skin-cancer defense?

For starters, take to the shade as often as possible from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun's rays beat down the hardest. Whether it's sunny or cloudy, when you step outside, wear sunblock that offers an SPF of 15 (or higher) and contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

"Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can physically block both UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin,” says dermatology expert Lily Talakoub, M.D., at the University of California, San Francisco. “They provide better protection than chemicals that work by reflecting the sun's rays.”

Physical UV filter is gaining popularity these years as it can minimize skin irritation, making its application safe to the persons with a peel or laser application or sometimes even to the infant.

It is recommended to apply sunblock after basic skin care and before wearing make-up, at least within 30 minutes before you go out. Note that for adequate vitamin D levels, many experts recommend letting the rays shine on sunscreen-free arms and legs for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a week.