-Ultraviolet (UV) exposure – The sun is the most well-known source of UV radiation, but UV rays also come from tanning beds and other artificial sources.
-Genetics – Some risk factors of skin cancer can be inherited through our DNA.
-Immunosuppression – Some conditions, like AIDS, and certain medications, such as those provided after organ transplants, can suppress the body’s immune system and might contribute to the development of skin cancer.
-Radiation exposure – In addition to UV, there are other forms of radiation that may adversely affect the skin cells, such as X-rays or therapeutic radiation.
-Toxic sunscreens -- Most sunscreens block the absorption of Vitamin D with toxic chemicals that seep through the skin and into the bloodstream and all throughout your body. Using these toxic sunscreens could actually cause cancer. Some toxic ingredients that are in these kinds of sunscreens: oxybenzone. benzene, parabens, homosalate, octinoxate, and octocrylene
Caucasians are more at risk for skin cancer because they have less melanin produced in their skin. Lighter skin tones produce less melanin and are more prone to damaged DNA particulate from UV radiation.