Beauty may or may not be skin deep - but the fact remains that well-maintaned skin lends freshness and radiance to your entire physical personality. It therefore becomes essential you bestow proper attention to your skin particularly during the torrid summer months.

The National Institute on Aging has warned that prolonged exposure to sunlight is the chief cause for wrinkles, dryness of skin and age spots. Arresting harmful rays from penetrating your skin is the assured way to avoid skin trouble during the summer months.when you are out during the day.

The American Cancer Society has come out with some alarming statistics. Detailed research has revealed that skin cancer is the most widely prevalent form of cancer in the U.S. It is found that excessive exposure to sun rays increases the risk of melanoma. It is believed that there will be about 62,000 new cases of melanoma during this year and possibly 8,000 patients will die of this ailment.

Skin cancer is caused when genes in the skin cells are damaged by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Most skin cancers are the direct outcome of excessive exposure to the sun. UVR neither visible nor can it be felt on the skin. It penetrates deeply into the skin cells, causing changes that can lead to sunburn, skin ageing, eye damage and skin cancer.

Most dermatologists recommend application of sunscreen as the best preventive measure to ward off sunburn during summer months. Sunscreen is available as an OTC poduct and comes in the form of lotions, creams, ointments, gels, wax sticks, and spray.

Dermosurgeons advise you to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes every time before you go out during summer months. When you choose the sunscreen, make sure it is water-resistant so that sweat or water does not affect it. The sunscreen should have SPF (sun protection factor) of minimum rating of 15.

Skin specialists classify the skin as dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, pigmented skin, and wrinkled skin. Different skin types obviously call for different types of treatments.

Those with oily skin need not use a cream or moisturizer. They should use products like PanOxyl Bar 5% and Proactiv Repairing Solution.

Persons with dry skin should opt for barrier repair creams or moisturizers that contain cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids. They must take care to avoid foaming detergents and soaps that can strip the skin of lipids.

For people with sensitive skin, sun screen containing anti-inflammatory ingredients are the best suited.

Those endowed with resistant skin can apply any kind of skin care products as their skin has a barrier that protects the skin from all types of allergies and infections.

For the ones with pigmented skin, solutions that contain hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, Tyrostat, and mulberry extract are extremely helpful.

If the skin is of Wrinkled type, Use of prescription retinoid and antioxidants such as idebenone (Prevage), ferulic acid (SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic), and vitamin C (Active C) are recommended.

In order to preserve your skin and make it look fresh and glowing throughout the summer season, it is important you take proper care of your skin. Make sure you drink abundant quantities of water, eat less of spicy and oily food and consume lots of fruits and green salads.