With the start of May comes National Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. Did you know skin cancer affects over 2 million Americans each year, and over 3.5 million forms of the disease exist?

The harmful effects of sun exposure to our health and appearance are well known, but spring always offers an opportunity to review your skin protection regimen. Considering the bevy of products that promise everything from eternal youth to 100-percent UV protection, you may feel overwhelmed by the choices and prices of skincare products. In fact, the greater the guarantee for youthful, radiant skin, the greater the cost seems to be.

Before you max out your credit card on the most expensive brand-name products, consider these 10 skincare shopping hacks. Read the first 5 below and get the second set tomorrow!

1. Get Screened for Free. One of the biggest issues with skin cancer is that it can go unnoticed if you're not looking for it. That's why getting a screening is so important, and AAD offers free screenings throughout the country. See what's available in your area by using their search tool, or sign up for e-alerts to get notified when screening opportunities become available nearby.

2. Try Flash Sites. Flash sale sites like Ideeli are not only good for deep discounts on designer fashion and shoes; you can also score name-brand skin care for less. You need to do your research before biting on these offers, however, because "designer" doesn't necessarily mean "quality." Everyone's skin type is different, so know the product and how it reacts with your skin before you buy.

3. Find Coupons for Savings. Coupons are great for saving a little money on everyday essentials, and pricey lotions and sunscreens are no exception. You can skip the circulars and head online to sites like CouponSherpa.com, where you can find several grocery coupons for personal care. 

4. Know Your Sunscreen. Not all sunscreen is created equal and it's important not only for your skin, but also for your budget to know the details. Always look for "broad spectrum" protection and avoid buying high-priced solutions that boast SPF 100 defense; there's no such thing as a sunscreen that protects you 100 percent. Since SPF 30 sunscreens offer 97 percent protection, stock up on this concentration and remember to reapply every two hours.

5. Go Generic. The cost of moisturizers vary widely by brand, with designer labels costing hundreds of dollars for just a few ounces of product. Before you buy, compare the ingredients of name-brand lotions to generic or store-brand versions. Increasingly, stores are offering lower-priced solutions featuring nearly identical ingredients!

Look out for the next set of tips tomorrow!