As you head out for fun in the sun this holiday weekend, the City Comptroller's office is reminding New Yorkers to keep their skin protected.
Excess exposure to UV rays from the sun or from tanning beds can cause skin cancer, including melanoma.
City Comptroller Scott Stringer is releasing a report Wednesday on the threat of skin cancer in the five boroughs.
He's also proposing that free sunscreen be distributed at city beaches, pools, parks and playgrounds during the summer.
"It helps us protect our skin from the ozone layer, and getting skin cancer and stuff like that, other things that could damage your skin," said one New Yorker.
"I would definitely utilize that if it was out there for me," said another new Yorker. "Yeah, I mean you're out a lot, especially when its this nice. And you might put it on in the morning and then not again until the next day."
For the best protection, the New York State Health Department recommends using broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF rating of 15 or higher.
It says sunscreen should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before going out, and reapplied every two hours thereafter.
At least an ounce of sunscreen, or the size of a shot glass should be used.