As that sunny time of the year approaches at the speed of light, (pardon the pun), you find yourself ready to bare three-slash-fourth of your skin. But, before you take in the heat, beware of the burn. mygtmagazine.com investigates the story on the screen -- the sunscreen, that is. Read on, beach bunnies...

     "Most dermatologists agree that applying a sunscreen is the only way to go when you're out in the sun," explains Joel of Beauty Chop. Everyone should wear sunscreen; not only does it prevent that itchy redness we all loathe, but in the future, it will prevent premature aging and wrinkles.

1.) Always burns easily, never
tans, extremely sun-sensitive skin.

2.) Always burns easily, tans
minimally, very sun-sensitive skin.

3.) Sometimes burns, tans gradually
to light brown, sun-sensitive skin.

4.) Burns minimally, always tans to
moderate brown, minimally sun-sensitive.

5.) Rarely burns, tans well, sun-insensitive skin.

6.) Never burns, deeply pigmented, sun-insensitive skin.

     "If your skin is fair and easily burns, (skin type one), you may want to use a sunscreen with the highest SPF number possible," Joel explains. Normally, dermatologists will recommend that anyone with any skin type should use sunblock that protects against UVA and UVB rays and has a Sun Protection Factor, (SPF), of 15 or greater, even on cloudy days. That's right -- clouds do not offer protection from the sun. Courtesy of Joel and mygtmagazine.com, here are more tips and facts for sun safety:

In other words, slather it on! If you apply the sunscreen too thinly, you can lose about half its SPF value. So, to better your chances of resisting the burn, pile on that block.

They can reproduce up to 85% of the sun's damaging rays. Not exactly what you're aiming for.

Being over-ambitious while rubbing in your sunscreen can reduce its potency by around 25%.

Naturally, there is no positively tested way to get a glow. As a matter of fact, a suntan is said to be the skin's response to an injury, (i.e. sunburn). The safest tanning solution is a bottled tan, like L'Oreal's Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion.

Try to limit your outdoor activities previous to and following the sunshine's strongest time, (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). If you aren't able to find time before or after, make sure to follow all precautions.

Be sure to reapply your sunscreen / sunblock every 2 hours.
   It is also a helpful suggestion to reapply after swimming or perspiring. Even sunblocks that claim to stay-put through those activities.

If you're someone who tends to spend a lot of time in the sun or are very fair, consider a sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These have been researched as better protection from the sun.

Never forget the little areas of your body that will be exposed to the sun, such as ears, nose, lips, neck, and hands. They are just as prone to burning and the sun as your legs and arms are.

According to dermatologists, the beaches and pools are not the only place you need sun protection. You could be at a greater risk in the mountains. The higher altitude and cleaner / thinner air causes higher UV exposure.

The sun's rays, combined with certain chemicals or medications, can cause skin reactions if you're wearing certain perfumes or sprays. Be sure to check product information of both your scents and sunscreens to make sure they won't coincide with drastic results. Better yet, don't wear perfumes at all when at the beach.

What is the recommend keeping for your sunscreen? Besides the obvious, (begins to look cruddy or too milky), most dutiful sunscreens will last up to three years. It could be in your best interest to buy a new one every couple of months; sunscreens work better when they are more up-to-date.

     Before you make a beeline for the beach, skitter on over to the sand, or lay your towel down for relaxation, make sure you're following these simple skin statutes. After all, what you do these days will paint your future portrait. Have fun and be safe at the surf!