While most of us enjoy a holiday at the beach and returning to the office with a deep, bronze tan as evidence of our dedicated hours in the tropical sun, the idea of a healthy tan has led us down a dangerous path. Although the sun provides us with necessary vitamin D, only an occasional 10 minutes of exposure is required.

Prolonged exposure damages our skin, leading to wrinkles, discoloration and other blemishes while overexposure (sunburn) has been linked to sun poisoning, sun stroke, skin cancer and even death. Statistics show that in the United States, someone dies everyday due to melanoma. The detrimental effects of the sun are irreversible, so during your next vacation to a sunny ski slope or a sandy beach keep the dangers of the sun in mind and take care of your skin.

Fair-skinned people should avoid direct sunlight from 10:00 to 15:00 as a rule. Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes prior to exposure and reapplied frequently. Sun block, on the other hand, provides instant protection and allows for immediate exposure. Either should be reapplied in accordance with the degree of perspiration or time in the water, regardless of whether or not the product is labeled as waterproof.

UVA rays are the primary cause of premature aging, so wear a hat with a brim, loose-fitting clothing and sunglasses during those afternoon walks along the beach or while relaxing on the ski-lodge patio is recommended. The winter sun is just as dangerous as the summer sun and often more so due to the amplified reflection off the snow and ice. Remember too that overcast skies do not mean you are protected. Diffused rays can cause severe sunburn, even underwater.

If returning from your holiday with milky white skin is a concern, consider that the medical expenses for the treatment of sun-induced disorders such as cold sores, eczema, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, sunburn and damage to the immune and vascular systems are far greater than the cost of a good hat, a pair of sunglass, a long-sleeved shirt and some sun block.