What are UV rays and how can we protect ourselves?
Both photodamage and phototrauma are caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays, which come in two kinds: UVa and UVb. Both kinds are harmful-especially the UVb-and clouds don't stop them. (Cloudy days reduce UV rays barely 20%.) So whenever you're outside, be sure to use a sunscreen that gives balanced protection against both kinds of UV rays. Keep the sun off your face as early in the day and as much as possible, even in the cooler seasons.

How is the sun associated with skin cancer?
There are two basic kinds of skin cancer caused by sun exposure: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma) and Melanoma. The nonmelanoma kind has been associated with cumulative sun exposure, whereas melanoma has been associated with short, intense sun exposure-the kind that results in a "blistering" sunburn. Both kinds are rising fast.

What is tanning and does it affect our children?
Tanning is caused when skin cells called "melanocytes" are stimulated to produce melanin-one of the skin's natural defenses against sun damage. But the melanocytes in a child's skin are immature, so children tend to burn or blotch rather than tan. This makes children particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of sun exposure. Think about it...children spend as much time as possible playing outdoors-partly because they want to, but also because we encourage them. Studies show that children typically get three times the annual sun exposure of adults because of normal childhood outdoor activity. So, be careful with your children. Cover them generously with sunscreen. Put hats on them. Keep them out of the sun during the middle part of the day, even if it seems cloudy overhead.

Are "tanning salons" a better alternative for sun exposure?
Artificial UV rays-the kind found in "tanning salons"-can also play a role in causing phototrauma and photodamage. Some experts point directly to tanning salons as the main cause of the rise in the incidence of melanoma in young women. These salons claim to use only "harmless" UV rays, but your doctor knows there's no such thing. Whether natural or artificial, UV light penetrates deeply, weakening connective tissue, causing sagging and wrinkles, as well as promoting skin cancers. Our advice is: Don't do it!

Sun safety: Actions you can take
1) Know Your Skin Type. Those with fair skin are at highest risk because of the scarce supply of melanocytes (they make the pigment melanin) in the skin. If you have fair skin-red or blonde hair, and freckles-limiting direct exposure to the sun, wearing sensible clothing, and faithfully using sunscreens can greatly reduce your chance of premature aging and skin cancer. But even dark-skinned people are at risk of sun damage, and most physicians recommend that everybody, regardless of skin type or color, use a sunscreen and wear sensible clothing in the sun.

2) Avoid The Noonday Sun. UV rays are at their strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. So try to limit your daytime activities to the hours before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m.

3) Wear The Right Clothes. Try to wear bathing suits that cover a bit more of your body. Your outfits should include a wide-brimmed hat to shade the face. And whenever possible, wear sunglasses with UV protection built in.

4) Don't Forget Your Lips. Remember to apply a special sunblock for the lips.

5) Know The Medications You Are Taking. Many common medications cause increased sensitivity to the sun. So, always read the labels and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure.

Facts on Sunscreens.
"Sunscreens" are products made to reduce the amount of UV rays that penetrate your skin. If you have to be out in the sun, sunscreens are important protection. Here are some things to look for in a sunscreen:

*"SPF" or Sun Protection Factor-The SPF number indicates the length of time you can be in the sun without getting a burn while wearing a specific SPF-rated sunscreen. For example, SPF 15 allows you to stay in the sun 15 times longer than you could without protection, depending on your skin type. Sunscreens come in a wide range of SPF ratings. Dermatologists recommend protection of an SPF 15 or over.

*Waterproof-Protection is tested to last at least 80 minutes after being wetted. Newer products are extending this test to 6 to 8 hours.

*Rub-proof-Protection isn't easily rubbed off onto towels, sweatbands, chaise lounges, beach chairs and clothing.

*Sweat-proof-Protection won't break down as water and skin oils sweat out through the skin.

*Contains No PABA-Some ingredients, like PABA have been found to create allergic reactions in some people, producing rashes and irritations. In fact, PABA tends to render your skin photosensitive, defeating the whole intent.

Remember:
1) Keep A Suncreen On

2) Wear The Right Clothes

3) Limit Your Time In The Sun

4) Use Sunscreen Daily

5) Ask Your Dermatologist