Sun safety

Baby, it's hot outside! Complaining about the weather seems like a national pastime. But in places where the mercury's soaring, these aren't just empty complaints. Heat and humidity aren't only uncomfortable - they can be downright dangerous if you don't take the proper precautions. The elderly, young children, and people with existing respiratory problems like asthma and other health conditions are especially susceptible to illness as a result of the heat and pollution.

I am wearing sunscreen, so I am completely protected from the sun. No amount of sunscreen offers complete protection from the sun.

How do I choose a sunscreen? Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF or "Sun Protection Factor" 15 or higher. Remember to select a waterproof product if you plan to be in the water. What does UVB stand for? UVB stands for ultraviolet B rays. These are the rays that are the primary cause of sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer.

There is a bewildering array of skin and hair care products confronting men and women in magazine and television advertising, at cosmetic counters, and in pharmacies. The manufacturing and sales of these products is a huge industry. Many of the manufacturers make claims that their products can make a significant difference in skin tone and appearance, and that they can restore youth, eliminate cellulite, or reduce or eliminate bags under the eyes.

Use a sunscreen. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF or sun protection factor of at least 15.

Your baby has sunburn if you notice skin that is pink or red, warm, painful, and with or without blisters. Sunburn symptoms may not start for two or more hours after the sun damage has occurred. Once you have determined that the baby has sunburn, your goals should be to stop the burning and treat the burn.

Find out more about sunscreen, an essential when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun's harmful radiation.

Summer may be right around the corner, but skin care experts want Canadians to start thinking now about those sunny days - and the toll the sun's rays can take on their skin. Though it's the least dangerous form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma can be disfiguring if not caught and treated early.

Find out how to choose the right sunglasses for the best UV protection.

Find out how to have a fun, safe, and healthy day at the beach or at the pool.

People spend millions each year on self-tanning solutions, spray-on salon tans, and sessions in sunbeds. Is a "healthy tan" a myth, or could one of these sunless options give you a safer glow?