There is no such thing as a "healthy" suntan.

A suntan (or sunburn) is visible proof that the skin has sustained serious damage. While the sun is important to our health and our environment, overexposure to Ultra Violet (UV) radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer.  And it's a sad fact that more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year.

Be safe. Understand and practice safe sun habits to protect yourself and your family from UV radiation. Here are some year-round tips to help prevent skin damage and premature aging of the skin via the effective use of sunscreens.

• You can get a sunburn even when it's cloudy! Use sunscreen every day, especially if you are going to be out in the sun for more than 20 minutes.
• Choose a broad-spectrum UVA-UVB sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
• For children, choose a broad-spectrum UVA-UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Talk to your doctor BEFORE applying sunscreen to an infant less than 6 months of age.
• Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.
• Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly over all exposed skin. Pay close attention to the face, lips, ears, hands and arms, and any skin not covered by clothing.
• People with thin or thinning hair, should apply sunscreen to the scalp.
• One ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill a shot glass, is generally considered to be the amount needed for adequate coverage of the exposed skin.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming, heavy perspiring or toweling off.

In addition to wearing a broad-spectrum UVA-UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, a comprehensive sun protection program includes avoiding deliberate tanning with natural or artificial light (tanning beds), seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and limiting exposure to the sun during peak UV hours (10 a.m to 4 p.m.).

Experts say least 90% of all skin cancers are the result of excessive exposure to sunlight. Be safe. Understand and practice safe sun habits to protect yourself and your family from UV radiation. 

Here are some pediatric and adult sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or greater: Sun Care Products