Sun Care

SPF30 will protect more like SPF 15 if you don't apply as much sunscreen as the experts recommend. And a study showed that most people put on far too little. But what's the right amount anyway?

By Dave Roos

Though sunscreen has protected our skin for decades, scientists still have questions about the intricacies of its photoprotective properties.

By Jesslyn Shields

Getting ready to spend a day in the sun? Think twice before reaching for last year's sunscreen. Even if the bottle's still full, the lotion doesn't last forever. Don't get burned!

By Jennifer Sellers

I remember when I first learned about spray tanning. I was thrilled. No longer would I need to worry about the rays outside because I could get that glowing tan in a bottle.

By Sara Novak

The sun can do much more damage than simply give you a painful sunburn. Learn some ways to easily minimize sun exposure so you can spend time outdoors safely.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

If you've overexposed your skin to the sun and end up with a sunburn, these home remedies can make you a bit more comfortable. See 10 home remedies for sunburns to get started.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Most of us know that you should protect yourself from the sun when you go outside. But many outdoor activities, like swimming at the beach or playing sports, can wash off sunscreen. Is it really possible for a sunscreen to be sweat-proof?

By Jessika Toothman

A bronzed skin is de rigueur in some circles, but with the risks from sun and tanning bed exposure, what's a health-conscious person to do? How does a spray tan deepen your color, and is it safe?

By Linda C. Brinson

Are tanning beds more or less safe than the sun? Is a base tan a good way to protect your skin? Before you risk your hide for a bronze glow, demystify what you know about tanning.

By Marie Willsey

Even the most knowledgeable and diligent sunscreen users can come home from a day in the great outdoors with burnt skin in certain places. What spots do we tend to miss when we're slathering ourselves with SPF?

By Molly Edmonds

Don't be fooled by clouds. You can get sunburn on sunny days or cloudy days -- and if you're outside all day, one application won't be enough. But if you do end up with a burn, here's how to treat it.

By Sarah Siddons

Wearing sunscreen is a well-known way to block UV rays, but it isn't the final word on sun protection anymore. In what other ways can sun-lovers ward off skin damage?

By John Barrymore

Over-the-counter sunscreens offer some of the best protection available against harmful UV rays. But how long can that protection actually last?

By Sarah Siddons

Skin color may be superficial, but the effects of pigment on our overall health can run deep. In what ways can understanding skin pigmentation help keep your body safe?

By Sarah Siddons

If you've had sun blisters from a severe sunburn, you know it isn't a pleasant experience. But if you're armed with sunscreen and some common sense, sun blisters are easy to prevent.

By John Barrymore

Sun exposure is good for you in small doses, but too much can lead to dangerous conditions, such as sun poisoning. How is sun poisoning different from sunburn, and what should you do if you get it?

By Jane McGrath

You may be familiar with pollen, pet and food allergies, but did you know that many people have sun allergies? Sun rash is an allergic reaction to the sun, but what causes it and how can you prevent it?

By Sarah Siddons

How do you fake a sun-kissed look without tanning beds and sunless-tanning lotion? Tanning pills are one alternative. Find out how they work -- and if they're safe.

By John Barrymore

UV radiation has always been the enemy of sun worshippers, but now we know it can harm people indoors, too. What exactly are UV rays, and how do they cause so much damage?

By John Barrymore

If you've ever experienced a sunburn, chances are it happened at the beach. What is it about the beach that makes us susceptible to sun damage? Is there more to it than the fact that most beach locales are hot?

By Sarah Siddons

Is it safe to tan while pregnant? Visit HowStuffWorks to learn whether or not it is safe to tan while pregnant.

By Sarah Siddons

There's no doubt that sunshine can be good for us -- it provides our bodies with essential nutrients and makes us feel happy. But too much exposure can wreak havoc on our skin. How long can we linger in the sun before putting ourselves at risk?

By John Barrymore

Whether you love to work up a sweat on the court, field, green or in the pool, you have one thing in common with your fellow athletes: major sun exposure. What are five things to look for when choosing a sunscreen that will play as hard as you do?

By Stephanie Watson

If you have oily skin, the idea of putting on creamy, pore-clogging sunscreen might be enough to make you weigh the risk of sunburn instead. Fear sunscreen no more -- you just need to know what to look for.

By Shanna Freeman & Maria Trimarchi

Sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage, but what makes it work? And what's the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?

By John Barrymore