Sun of a...

Sun worshippers, take heed: Summer is upon us! You must protect your delicate skin from the sun's harsh rays, but that doesn't mean you have to hide inside all season. Here, we offer the expertise of Dr. Neel Patel with Southwest Skin Specialists in Scottsdale, Ariz. This summer, enjoy the sun, but never, ever break these 10 commandments of sunscreen.

10. Thou shalt not skimp

According to Dr. Patel, "Most people only apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. The average person should apply 1 ounce, or one shot-glass, of sunscreen per application. Be sure to apply 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. A 12-ounce bottle should only last for 12 applications. Don't forget the ears, lips, neck, nose, hands and feet."

He suggests Elta MD 30 and 41 for daily use because they go well with cosmetics, as well as Ocean Potion Face and Neutrogena Ultrasheer Body Mist, which are ideal for those with acne-prone skin. Dr. Patel adds, "Avoid spray sunscreens on the face, if possible."

9. Thou shalt reapply frequently

Don't assume that once you've slathered on one coat of sunscreen, you are good to go for the whole day. In fact, Dr. Patel says sunscreen should be applied every two hours.

8. Thou shalt not use "i don't burn, I tan" as an excuse

Just because you may not burn easily, doesn't mean your complexion protects you from UV damage or skin cancer. Dr. Patel says, "One's ability to tan does not confer immunity to skin cancer. Furthermore, sunscreen prevents premature aging of the skin in all skin types."

7. Thou shalt apply, even on cold, cloudy days

According to Dr. Patel, "Sunscreen should be applied everyday. Though windows filter UVB, we are incurring UVA damage while driving or next to a window at work. Since many skin cancers are the result of cumulative ultraviolet exposure, the small amounts of sunlight we get on a daily basis can result in tumors later in life."

So don't take any chances. And don't slack on your sunscreen routine if it's overcast. You might feel a false sense of security when the clouds are covering up the sun, but that's no time to skip the sunscreen. Dr. Patel points out that "80 percent of ultraviolet radiation is present on cloudy days. Water and snow can reflect 80 percent of UV radiation. Sand reflects 25 percent."

6. Thou shalt read thy labels

Whether you are selecting a natural, organic, chemical-free or commercial sunscreen, there are a few things you should be sure your sunscreen includes. Dr. Patel advises, "Make sure that sunscreen has high concentrations of zinc and titanium for broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage.

Though vitamins E and C are good free radical scavengers and help minimize DNA injury, their effectiveness is highly dependent on their purity, stability and concentration, which are not reported on most products. I believe that both traditional and organic sunscreens can be effective and safe based on their ingredients." For a natural alternative, check out BareMinerals SPF 30 Natural sunscreen.

But don't feel you need to spend a wad of cash to get the best results when it comes to sunscreen protection. Dr. Patel maintains that while price matters a little, "ingredients are the most important aspect." He suggests major brands, such as Blue Lizard, Vanicream, or Ortho-Neutrogena.