Skin protection might not be the first topic most people would think of when writing a commencement speech. But it is what everybody remembers about the fake speech Kurt Vonnegut didn't really give in 1997, but which became an internet perennial. "Wear sunscreen," it famously began. And Dr. James Fairfield can truly agree with that. There's nothing fake about the toll that ultraviolet radiation from the sun takes on our skin. Dr. Fairfield's article offers tips for an effective skin protection program, starting with sunscreen.

Nobody is in a better position than a cosmetic dermatologist to see the damage that the sun can do to skin. Multiple sunburns over a number of years raise the risk of skin cancer, so protection against sunburn is essential for healthy skin. Fairfield also explains how solar radiation acts on the skin to weaken its natural elasticity, accelerating the aging process. Sagging results -- and sun damage can also include dryness, lines and wrinkles and discoloration. So skin protection is important for appearance as well as health.

But it's really important to know you have the best skin protection. "Be sure you get the right product," advises Fairfield. The label should mention UVA (ultraviolet-A) as well as UVB protection. UVA rays can burn you even through clouds, and they pass through the glass of your car windows. And because UVA rays can penetrate more deeply into the skin, they're the ones that cause the greatest acceleration of aging. "I urge everybody to use sun protection that blocks both UVA and UVB to their exposed skin each and every day," Fairfield says.

Fairfield's article offers further advice on how to protect your skin from sun damage, including:

• More tips on choosing the right product
• How to use sunscreen correctly
• Sun-safe ideas beyond the use of sunscreen
• How to tell when to throw your sunscreen out

Dr. Fairfield says his patients frequently ask him if they really need to wear sunscreen every day. He always answers Yes. A skin protection program is the best bet for keeping your skin healthy and your appearance youthful. Like the man said -- or didn't really say -- "Wear sunscreen."

James C. Fairfield, MD has established the oldest and most respected dermatology practice in the Delaware Valley. For more free cosmetic dermatology information and resources, including a free practice DVD and a copy of his special report "Erase the Years," visit his web site at www.cmderm.com