writes Dr. John Arlette.  "In the sunny summer months, you and your skin want to be out, about and active, but you also need to have control over the hazardous effects of unprotected sun exposure. You don't want to hide away, but you also don't want to experience the painful, blistering process of sunburn that will hurt now and also long into the future, when that toasty-marshmallow-crispy tanned glow is just a distant memory.  Sunlight is an environmental hazard -- a form of solar radiation. You need to take control to avoid long-lasting damage to your skin.  UVB rays, the hazard of summer and high altitude, cause burning changes. The tan that develops after a sunburn is merely the body's defence mechanism as it tries to protect itself from harmful exposure. A tan is a sign of sun damage. As we age, we don't get as red after exposure to the sun as we did when we were younger, because our skin can no longer respond with the same vigour as it used to -- but less burn doesn't mean we need less protection."

"Sunlight produces DNA damage to the skin as it penetrates through into the outer epidermis, into the underlying dermis. This causes degeneration of tissues, and a form of immune deficiency in the skin which makes it harder for your body to protect itself from the development of skin cancer.

Simply put, this is how you can protect yourself: avoid direct exposure of your skin to the sun.

- Be aware of the time of day when sun exposure is most hazardous -- between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Daylight time). Seek shade or cover during this time

- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. Apply it liberally, and reapply it appropriately

- Wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and covering clothing as much as possible

The best protection from the sun is a hat or a house. Staying under cover during the most intense hours of sunlight, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is effective, but be aware that window glass only partially blocks UVA rays. Clothing has a substantial effect in sun protection, but SPF of clothing depends on the fabric (fibre, stretch, density of weave, thickness) as well as chemical treatment.  Active living means you can't always be hidden away under clothing or a roof, so sunscreen is key in your arsenal of defence. All sunscreens are not created equal, and their composition makes the difference in how much protection they provide."

Yet another article from the medical profession describing the need for sun protection strategies.......of which Radicool Skins 100+spf WET or DRY plays a key role!