You're getting to the age where you have to start taking responsibility for your actions and for your body -- and that includes acting responsibly about the sun.

Okay, this isn't the first time you've heard about the damaging effects of the sun. Your mum runs after you with a bottle of sun protection, threatening that you'll get skin cancer if you don't watch out. Your grandmother points to her wrinkles and says, "When I was young, doctors didn't know how bad the sun could be for your skin."

Well, now doctors do know, and you know, too. Follow these tips! Because if you start being good to your skin now, think how healthy your skin will be - and how great your skin will look -- when you're older!

Get a sunscreen that has both UVA & UVB protection

There are two types of rays that affect our skin: UVA and UVB radiation. UVB is the kind of radiation that comes from the sun, but is blocked by window glass. UVA comes from the sun, but can pass through glass. UVA radiation is what ages skin.

Until now, most sunscreens (even with high Sun Protection Factors (SPFs)) only protected the skin from UVB rays. But now there are ingredients such as micro-fine zinc oxide and micronized titanium dioxide that protect your skin from against UVA and UVB radiation. Look for those ingredients or a label that says "UVA and UVB protection" on your sunscreen.

Use sunscreen every day

Even when it's overcast out, the sun's rays can still burn your skin. There are many lightweight sunscreens that you can use every day and even wear under makeup. Some make-up now has UV protection built it.

Reapply sunscreen after sweating or swimming

If you're playing sports or swimming, use sunblocks that are waterproof. These products are heavier (so you probably wouldn't want to use them every day under your makeup) but they're great for outdoor activities. Remember to reapply the sunblock after being in the water or perspiring heavily.

Wear a hat

A sun hat or baseball cap keeps the sun off your face.

Wear clothes that keep the sun off your skin

To sun-test clothes, hold them up to the light. If you can see through them, then the sun can get through them too.

Plan outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m.

If possible, try to plan your outdoor excursions when the sun's not at its strongest -- and its most dangerous.

Avoid tanning booths

Tanning booths expose your body to UVA radiation, which is bound to catch up with you in the form of age spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer.

Use self-tanning creams or lotions instead

If you want to have tan-looking skin, tanning lotions or creams are much safer than the sun. They don't provide any sun protection (unless they contain added sunscreen) but they do contain a sugar that interacts with the protein in the skin to produce a tan look.