This article is from the WebMD Feature Archive

Do you think of your skin as a beautiful feature to be bared when the weather warms up? Or is it simply a protective shell, an instrument for touch, or a telling clue to your age? While your skin may be all of these things, it is also your body's most prominent organ.

So it's essential you take care of it, especially during the summertime, when UV levels can wreak havoc on exposed skin. While those killer rays may feel sensational, the effects of sun exposure may not be as agreeable over time. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancerskin cancer during their lifetime.

Prolonged ultraviolet exposure may also lead to cataractscataracts, which affects more than 20 million Americans over age 40, reports the National Eye Institute. Then there's premature agingaging of the skin. The National Institute on Aging has pointed to sunlight as a major culprit of wrinkles, dryness, and age spots.

The best way to avoid trouble? Block harmful rays when you're out during the day; even during cloudy days use sun protection. Sun rays can penetrate light clouds, mist, and fog. The danger exists in all seasons, and the damage builds up each year.

"The fall, winter, and spring will account for at least 20% of the [UV] exposure that we have," says Ron Shelton, MD, FAAD, FAACS, a board-certified dermatologist, and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. "Yet, there's no doubt that the bulk of the sun damage happens in the summer months."

Whether you're driven by medical concerns, beauty, or both, gear up with WebMD's Summer Skin Survival Guide before hitting the beach, the golf course, or even the back yard -- and keep your skin glowing with good health all year round.

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