The ozone layer above the earth no longer provides a sufficient filter to protect skin against the sun's harmful UV rays, which cause, at the very least, premature wrinkles and, at worst, an increased risk of skin cancer. Although a tan used to be associated with glowing good health, it is in fact the body's way of trying to protect against skin damage. Cells in the outer skin layer respond to sunlight by producing more of the protective pigment melanin. Dark-skinned people have more melanin; those with a fair complexion or a tendency to freckle have less and so burn more easily.

Understanding Sun Protection Factors

Skin that has been repeatedly damaged by sunburn is at the greatest risk of damage and also provides a poor base for makeup. Suncare and cosmetic products with a sunscreen will help protect and care for your skin, particularly if you spend a lot of time outside. The higher the SIT (sun protection factor), the longer the product will protect against sunburn. For example, as a guideline, an SPF 15 sunscreen will allow you lo stay in the sun 15 limes longer

than you could with no protection (see the chart below), while an SPF 20 will allow you lo stay 20 times longer.

Sunblocks

If you want to make sure your skin hardly changes color in the sun or give exposed areas exira protection, you need to wear a sunblock. Sunblocks screen out damaging UV rays, but should also moisturize the skin. Always use a sunblock made especially for the face and a separate one for the body. A sunblock for the face will prevent tanning and freckles, but should also provide a smooth base for makeup if you intend lo wear it on top. For this reason, choose a natural-colored sunblock that will not affect the color of your foundation. For best results, apply in the morning, about ten minutes after moisturizing. Safer Tanning

If you do want lo gel a tan. gradually build up the lime you spend in ihe sun. Start off with ten minutes and add a few minutes each clay. Do not sunbathe when the sun is at its strongest - usually between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m - and always wear a pair of good-quality sunglasses.

Applying Sunscreen

1 Gently rub a sunscreen with an SPF thai provides the right amount ol protection for your skin coloring all over your body. Reapply when necessary and always after swimming or exercise if the sunscreen is not water resistant.

2 Sensitive parts of the body, such as ihe shoulders, are particular!)' vulnerable lo sunburn and may need extra protection with a sunblock, so rub onto these areas evenly.

3 After sunbathing, moisturize skin well with after-sun products to prevent it from becoming dry and peeling.