With all we know now about the damage that the sun can cause, you may feel as though you need to hide under an umbrella all summer. And no wonder: Exposure to the sun's UVA radiation promotes irregular pigment, fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture, and thin and dry skin. UVB radiation burns as well as tans. And it can lead to skin cancer, of which there are a million new cases every year. But don't fret: You can play outside safely. "Proper sun protection will save your skin as well as your life," says dermatologist Sandra Read, M.D. Try these sun-smart strategies:

- Use sunscreen daily. Apply a golf ball-size amount to exposed areas every day, cloudy or sunny, all year long. Reapply every two hours when you are out of doors.

- Pick a number. "Anything less than SPF 15 isn't worthwhile," says Dr. Read. Go for an SPF of at least 30.

- Choose wisely. The SPF in your makeup may be fine when you're spending most of the day at the office, but if you're exercising outdoors or splashing in the pool, opt for a waterproof sunscreen.

- Read labels. Some skin savers: benzophenones (oxybenzone), sulisobenzone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and Parsol 1789. And last year, the FDA approved the UVA blocker ecamsule (brand name, Mexoryl).

- Seek shade. Avoid direct sun-especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.-and wear a wide-brim hat.

- Consider sun-protective clothing. A regular cotton T-shirt offers an SPF of just 5, but tightly woven UV fabrics can block out more than 97 percent of UV rays. Also available, notes Dr. Read: Rit SunGuard, a clothing rinse with a special ingredient that effectively scatters UV light.

- Don't forget your lips and eyes. Use lip balms and lipsticks that contain SPF, and choose sunglasses with UV-protective lenses.

About our expert: Sandra Read, M.D., is an instructor in the dermatology department of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

SPARKLING BEAUTY

This summer, add some bling to your makeup routine. "The colors for this season are beautiful metallic shades," says makeup artist Mally Roncal. To create your own luminous look:

1. Keep foundation soft and sheer. "I love powder foundation in summer," says Roncal. "It's sheer and helps fight oil and shine."

2. To help set your eye shadow, start with eye shadow base. Then apply sheer metallic shadow from lash line to crease. Choose a liner with a bit of sparkle; dust with translucent powder.

3. Apply blush to the apples of the cheeks in a circular motion, then swipe shimmery powder across cheekbones.

4. Slick on lip gloss! Use a sheer "invisible" lip liner, or a natural liner that matches your lip tone, to keep gloss in place.

5. Polish nails to perfection with a cool, icy shade. "This summer, polishes are washes of shimmery pastel delight-think Italian ices," says Robert Cleary, director of product development for Dashing Diva.

Follow these skincare- and makeup tips, and you'll not only prevent skin cancer, but look and feel great all summer long!

Writer: Colleen Moriarty
©MediZine's Healthy Living, Second Quarter 2007