Dr. Saida Baxt, M.D. F.A.A.D. Baxt Cosmedical The skin is the largest organ of the body and a great protector and shield from the environment. Unfortunately, the environment is getting more contaminated and the ozone layer depleted; the end result is an increasing incidence of skin cancer. Those who have family histories of skin cancer and who spend significant time in the sun are at greatest risk. Some cautions, in order of importance: Avoid the outdoors in the middle of the day, especially 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wear protective clothing, such as a hat with a brim, long sleeves, and other sun-resistant clothing. Add sunscreen to areas that are not covered. Always apply sunscreen BEFORE you are in the sun, to allow the lotion to penetrate and adhere to the superficial epidermis. Sunscreen applied on newly shaved legs does not help: it is not absorbed by the skin. Shave the night before a day of beach-going, not that morning. Re-apply sunscreen every other hour and use plenty of it. How do you know that you have used enough? A bottle should only last a weekend at the beach. Finally, remember that no sunscreen is entirely waterproof or sweat-resistant, so re-apply regularly.