by Michael Morris

W ith the worst of winter behind us, it won't be long before the beach and ballparks beckon.

But the annual return of warm weather brings the year's greatest risk of overexposure to the sun's rays and, according to the National Cancer Institute, leads to the most common cancer in the U.S.: skin cancer.

Approximately 90 percent of the more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer reported annually in the U.S. can be attributed to overexposure to the sun. Sun-caused cancers, which lead to the death of one American every hour on average, appear most often on the face, neck, forearms and hands--the areas at greatest risk to overexposure.

Because exposure to the sun's rays in the U.S. is greatest from May to August, it's not too early in the year to start thinking about protecting your skin from dangerous ultraviolet light. The American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend regular year-round use of sunscreen, even on cloudy days, as one of the best ways to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

Nature's Sunshine thinks that's a good idea too. We've created sunscreen and lip balm just in time for the sunny days ahead. Our Suncare products are designed to absorb and filter UV rays (which can damage skin and lead to premature aging) and are recommended for the entire family, especially children over the age of six months. Regular use of sunscreens from childhood on may reduce the chance of some types of skin cancer caused by exposure to the sun.

And contrary to a Swedish study conducted several years ago, there's no evidence that sunscreen blocks or reduces vitamin D synthesis in the skin.

Sunscreen SPF 25
Sunscreens are rated according to their "sun-protection factor,: known as SPF.  SPF 25 protects your skin up to 25 times longer than if you weren't wearing sunscreen. Ratings higher than SPF 25 are expensive, offer no real additional protection and increase the risk of irritation.

Nature's Sunshine's all-season sunscreen provides maximum, broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays. It's rich in protective antioxidants and healing botanicals: vitamins C and E, Camellia oleifera (green tea), calendula, German chamomile, linden, orange peel and rosemary. It also contains naturally derived emollients to help moisturize, soften and soothe sun-exposed skin. NSP's water-resistant sunscreen glides easily onto skin, leaving no sticky or ash-colored residue. In addition, it contains safe and highly effective sunscreens, including a new sunscreen agent that significantly lowers the total amount of sunscreens needed for the same amount of protection with less chance of irritation. NSP's sunscreen also contains no PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), which can cause allergic reactions.

Apply sunscreen to all body parts exposed to the sun, including ears, back of neck and tops of feet. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, excessive sweating or towel drying and always wear sunglasses or a hat to help protect eyes from harmful UV rays.

Enjoy the outdoors a little longer with Nature's Sunshine sunscreen. Stock# 3521-6  (3 fl. oz.)

Lip Balm SPF 15
Made with only the finest ingredients, NSP's new lip balm is petroleum-free and formulated with special sunscreens to shield lips from harmful UV rays. It also contains moisturizing and soothing emollients to help lips look and feel their best.

Aloe vera, apricot, castor and jojoba oils all work in harmony with squalene, beeswax, bee propolis, Icelandic moss, golden seal, menthol, camphor and antioxidant vitamins A, C and E to condition and protect delicate lips. Use daily and especially when exposed to the sun, wind, heat and cold. Feel it working immediately to relieve dry, chapped lips and even painful cold sores.

NSP's lip balm provides long-lasting moisture, glides on smoothly and offers great year-round protection and relief for the entire family. Stock# 3550-7 (.15 oz.)

The next time you think about enjoying some sunshine, don't forget to bring along Nature's Sunshine's new Suncare Sunscreen and Lip Balm.