Everyone should wear sunscreen. This means you.

The sun’s energy penetrates your skin and damages DNA of skin cells. Having a dark complexion or a history of tanning easily does not  let  you off the hook. At best, you’ll look old before your time. The worst- case scenario? Skin cancer.

Regardless of the brand or price, all sunscreen ingredients fall into two general categories: chemical or physical. Chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays and covert the energy to heat. Physical blocks are particles of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that reflect or scatter UV rays off of the skin.

If you have sensitive skin, a chemical-free physical sunscreen may be the best choice. Always choose a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum coverage of both UVB and UVA rays. Look for ingredients such as Helioplex (Neutrogena), Active Photobarrier Complex (Aveeno) and Meoxryl (LaRoche Posay) as they provide improved coverage with stabilized UVA sunscreens.

The sun protection factor (SPF) is calculated by comparing the number of minutes it takes to sunburn unprotected skin to the number of minutes required to burn protected skin. Currently, SPF only indicates how well a sunscreen blocks UVB, but not UVA.  

The FDA is developing a rating system for UVA protection.  While it is recommended that a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 be used, in sunny climates like ours, a minimum SPF of 30 is better.

Babies less than six months of age should not be exposed to the sun for prolonged periods. Keep them covered with clothing and in shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.  
Apply early, apply often Slather on sunscreen at least 20 minutes before exposure to let the sunscreen bind to the skin.

The average adult in a swimsuit will need a full ounce of sunscreen to protect exposed skin. Apply another full ounce approximately every two hours. Reapply more often if you’re swimming or sweating heavily—even when using a "water resistant" or "waterproof" formula. How much is an ounce? Picture a shot glass full of sunscreen.

Clothing made from fabric that blocks UV radiation can help protect you while hiking or working outdoors. Coolibar, Solumbra, and Tuga Sunwear are a few of the labels to look for.

Concerned that sunscreen will prevent you from getting Vitamin D? Listen to the American Academy of Dermatology: "Vitamin D from food and dietary supplements offers the same benefits-but not the danger of UV exposure-as vitamin D obtained from the sun."

Vitamin D is important and has been linked to the prevention of a variety of medical conditions from diabetes and multiple sclerosis to several cancers.

While research continues on the most effective and safe dosage, most experts agree that healthy adults should get 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D each day. The 2008 American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation for daily intake of vitamin D for infants, children and adolescents is 400 IU. Consult with your doctor or child’s pediatrician about the need for supplements.

Using sunscreen, covering up and seeking shade are good habits for all ages. Make sun protection a family affair.