Although more gradual than a burn, a suntan nevertheless still causes the same type of damage to the skin—and can also lead to more serious skin conditions such as cancer. It is a skin care fact: repeated, unprotected, exposure to the sun will create major problems for the skin ranging from fine lines and wrinkles to skin cancer so don't risk it—learn how to protect yourself from all types of UV rays.

Stay away from the rays

After a day of fun under the sun, your skin will most likely be golden and sun-kissed, or rosy and red. But that's not all—it will also be damaged. And while often considered a sign of health and vitality, a suntan is actually the initial sign of sun damage. A tan is the result of an increase in melanin production, brought on by the sun's UV rays. However, as most people are painfully aware, over-exposure to the sun can result in a sunburn. According to Phyllis A. Balch, "most sunburns are first-degree burns that cause the skin to become red, warm and tender to the touch." And according to the American Cancer Society, just one severe sunburn as a child can greatly increase the chances of developing skin cancer as an adult.

Sunlight is made up of several types of rays—ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A (UVA), and ultraviolet C (UVC). While UVB rays are responsible for suntans or burns, it's the subtle UVA rays that cause wrinkles and fine lines. Either way, exposure to every kind of ultraviolet light is the root cause of all skin cancer. And although the ozone layer protects us from the bulk of UVC rays, clearly UV rays are a real skin care concern.

By weakening the body's immune system and harming healthy DNA, UV rays are a direct cause of skin cancer, as well as freckles, moles, wrinkles and fine lines, and results are cumulative. The more time spent in the sun, the more your skin's ability to defend itself diminishes. To complicate things even further, in addition to easily detectable signs of sun damage, there's additional hidden harm.

Shun the sun

With every passing year, signs of damage caused by the sun—known as photo aging—will emerge on the skin. Skin will appear thinner and more fragile, freckles and moles will darken, the texture may become tough or leathery and wrinkles will crease and deepen as the collagen and elastin breakdown even further. But even if you're not a frequent tanner, don't assume that you're out of harm's way. Any type of sun exposure increases the risk of sun damage—especially unprotected sun exposure such as you might get while driving. Strong UVA rays can penetrate glass and lightweight fabric, meaning that you can be at risk while driving, flying in an airplane, or relaxing by a window. All of this seemingly innocent sun exposure can actually hasten skin damage, leading to a breakdown of connective tissues, loss of elasticity and making you look older than your age.

Sun smarts

A lack of sunlight can also be tremendously deceiving. Although it would seem that sun damage can only happen on a sunny day, actually the exact opposite is true. No one is immune to sun damage, even during cloudy weather or in the wintertime. While some clouds may block UV radiation, others amplify UV intensity by reflecting and refracting the sun's beams. UV rays bounce and reflect off sand, water, metal, plastic and concrete, making sunscreen vitally important on cloudy days as well as sunny. Even a fleeting moment of concentrated UV radiation is bad news.

Cold, overcast days still mean you have to play it safe when you're outside and exposed to sunlight. Skiers and snowboarders, in particular, should take care because snow reflects sunlight and high altitudes boost the UV index. Although your skin may not immediately display physical signs of trauma from the sun—wrinkles, freckles or worse, cancerous tumors—the marks of destructive sun damage will surface over time.

Sizing up sunscreen

Your best defense against sun damage is prevention—and, a powerful sunscreen used on a daily basis. And be SPF savvy—know what the numbers mean. A higher SPF number equals greater protection, so always select a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15, which will allow you to spend up to 15 times longer in the sun before your skin will start to tan or burn. Those with fair or pale skin, and anyone who has extreme sun sensitivity, such as persons recovering from skin cancer, should opt for a higher SPF, 30 or more. Use the following check-list to ensure your SPF is first-rate:

• Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which will block both UVA and UVB rays. Try MD Formulations Total Protector 30.
• Physical (or organic) sun blocks, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide reflect harmful UV radiation away from the skin and are a great choice for individuals with sensitive skin.
• Rather than reflecting sunlight away from the skin, chemical sun blocks such as benzophenone or octyl methoxycinnamate, absorb UV light.
• Water or sweat-resistant sunscreens stand their ground against humidity and sweat, yet will still need to be reapplied after vigorous outdoor exercise or swimming.
• Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E work in tandem with sunscreen to protect the skin from environmental damage and photoaging, so look for sunscreens with all these ingredients. Try DDF Moisturizing Photo-Age Sunscreen SPF 30.

Everyday ease

Given the hidden dangers of sun exposure, daily protection is mandatory. For people on the go, MD Skincare Sun Packetts SPF 30 are ideal. Packaged conveniently in single-use sachets, this formula contains iron, green tea, and vitamins A, C, and E. Also consider SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30—a physical sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection for even the most sensitive skin types.

And don't forget other preventative measures. When outside, wear a hat and sunglasses which block 100% of UV rays. In addition, cover-up exposed skin as much as possible with long sleeves or gloves. Avoid being outside when sunlight is strongest, between the hours of 10am and 2pm and no matter what, remember that there's no such thing as a sunscreen that can block all UV rays. Slathering on sunscreen with a high SPF number isn't an excuse to frolic outside all afternoon! In fact, a great deal of sun damage results from ordinary day-to-day activities, so always be conscious of how much time you're exposed to sunlight.

The warmth of the sun is definitely appealing, but don't be deceived—protect yourself and your skin at all times. Exercise sun smarts and caution now and reap the marvelous reward of healthy, youthful skin in the future.