Completely eliminating daytime, outdoor activities would certainly make for a boring summer. A more appealing option allows you fun in the sun by following a few simple rules.

"Wearing sunscreen every day is the No. 1 way to fight aging and your risk of getting skin cancer," said Angie Telepun, owner of Young and Healthy Skin on Somerville Road Southeast. "You should wear a minimum SPF of 15 on your face and body. And not just in the summer, you need it in the winter, too."

SPF 15 is only appropriate for those spending minimal time outdoors and away from windows, she said. If you're outside for an extended time period, or must drive a fair distance to work, you should wear a SPF of 25 to 30.

"Surprisingly, you get sun exposure through your car's windshield," she said. "Everyone should find a sunscreen they like and can tolerate, and wear it as a morning moisturizer. Just make a habit of wearing sunscreen every day."

Depending on how long you're exposed and if you're at risk of it washing off in water or from sweat, Telepun advises sun worshippers to reapply sunscreen multiple times. If you're in direct sun all day, slather it on every hour.

"It's doubtful a SPF higher than 30 provides much increased protection," she said. "If you're spending a lot of extra money on the SPF 50, you're probably not getting your money's worth."

Dr. Ben Light, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Decatur ENT Associates, said, "Often, ladies spend a significant amount of money on various skin-care products when a $10-$15 bottle of sunscreen used daily will be much more effective in the long run at preventing signs of aging and many common types of skin care." He suggests using sunscreen with a blocking agent like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

"I make sure he has it on, but sometimes fail to remember to wear it myself. I suppose that's motherhood," said the 28-year-old. "But with so many cases of skin cancer and so much about it in the news I'm becoming more conscientious. I'm trying to start the habit of our whole family wearing a higher SPF every day."

Telepun also said protective clothing, hats and sunglasses are important deterrents of UV rays and urges everyone to not just take them to the pool, but wear them.

While there isn't a way to "sun" safely, it's best to limit your exposure and plan outdoor activities when the sun's rays aren't at their most powerful.

"MagicTan is a completely private, self-contained, computerized spray tanning booth that sprays an even and fine mist of tanning solution on your entire body," said Dr. Gordon M. Telepun, of Decatur Plastic Surgery, in a 2004 article he wrote for "Health Talk."

Less expensive, but not as natural looking are rub-on, sunless tanning lotions. Apply like a moisturizing lotion and let dry. Your tan will gradually appear over several hours.

Sometimes these lotions contain an unpleasant odor or cause skin to appear orange. Angie Telepun advises the tan-starved population to test different brands until they find one right for them.

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