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Social practices and their meanings change over time. Until recently, the suntan created by excessive exposure was considered a sign of poverty. A suntan indicated that you spent your days toiling in the sun. Wealthier people had the luxury of remaining indoors and out of the sun's intense, direct heat.

Twenty years ago, sun-bathing was one of the country's favorite pastimes, and people traveled to the beaches and other water sources to have fun in the sun. People of all ages in Miami'from toddlers in polka-dot bikinis to retired men soaking up the sun in beach chairs'were found sun-bathing. It was, and still is, fun to go out in the sun, but you need to be aware of the affects sun-bathing has on your skin and how you can protect yourself.

According researchers at the MayoClinic.com, there is real concern that sun damage could lead to skin cancer. The MayoClinic.com states:

"The warm golden cast of the sun is very alluring. And many people can't resist spending hours beneath its glow.

But not all of the sun's rays are pleasing. Ultraviolet (UV) light, the invisible but intense rays of the sun, damages your skin. Some of those harmful effects'such as suntan or sunburn'are visible right away. But other skin changes, including liver spots or deep wrinkles, appear and worsen over time. With repeated sun exposure, skin damage can even progress into cancerous tumors."

This is how the sun damages your skin and what you can do about it.

The first and most prominent effects of sun-bathing will be sun spots, suntan, and sunburn. Remember, sunlight is comprised of ultraviolet (UV) rays which directly attack your skin, making you prone to hazards like skin cancer.

Sun-bathing also places your eyes at risk of damage from UV rays and can cause cataracts.

The sun can cause your skin to age quickly. The sun's rays penetrate the skin and cause extensive damage. This damage appears as wrinkles, freckles, or light spots and can cause give your skin a coarse texture.

Your blood vessels and capillaries can sustain damage from the sun, making you a high risk for developing tumors. Your skin might be affected by actinic kerotoses or sun spots.

Research has also proven that overexposure to UV rays releases chemicals into your bloodstream. These chemicals, most of them endorphins, are capable of making you feel "high." This feeling can actually lead to a sun-bathing addiction!

Even though there are cosmetics and other forms of treatment for skin damage caused by sun, the results are seldom satisfactory. The best treatment is prevention.

Know the approximate time when the sun will be at its peak. Usually between 11am and 3pm, you should not sun-bathe. Remember that, because of the thinner atmosphere, the sun's rays can be more damaging in high altitudes. Sometimes, even clothing is not enough to protect your skin, especially while swimming.

Take precautions; don't allow sun-bathing to take its toll on your skin. Protect your skin by following a few precautions before you expose it to the sun.

There are alternatives to sun-bathing. The most popular alternative is using artificial UV rays. Tanning in a sun bed gives you a chance to feel relaxed while you tan, but since it uses artificial rays, doesn't require you to face the sun's rays.

When out in the sun, always wear proper clothing and a hat large enough to protect your face, eyes, ears, and the back of your neck. Proper coverage will significantly reduce sun spots. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.

Apply a sunscreen to your skin for prolonged sun exposure. Choose a sunscreen product based on its Sun Protecting Factor (SPF). The higher the SPF ranking, the more protective the product will be. The higher numbers should be applied to people who live in high altitudes or who have fair skin. People with darker skin tones can choose a lower SPF product. To facilitate usage, sunscreen products are produced in the form of gels, creams, lotions, and alcohol (spray) solutions.

Sun-bathing creams and oils are also available. Don't confuse these products with sunscreen products. These creams act as lubricants and protect your skin from dryness, but do not provide any protection from the sun. In fact, when used exclusively, they often increase the potential for UV ray exposure.

However, creams like Lumnaderm(tm) have been developed after extensive research. Lumnaderm(tm) fights discolored skin and rejuvenates it to give you a fresher more youthful look. When used correctly this product, can be an effective tool to treat skin damages caused by the sun's rays. Lumnaderm(tm) is available from better online retailers like Amazon.com and the BODeStore.com (http://www.bodestore.com).