By David Nasal
At parks, in the mountains and at the beach, people are out in swim trunks and swimsuits trying to get some sun.
Along with summer sun comes ultraviolet rays, which can cause serious skin problems if doctor''s warnings aren''t taken to heart.
'Any tan skin is actually damaged skin,' said Kathy Jewett, who has worked at a local dermatologist office for the last 25 years.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, tanning is the body''s response to UV light. It is a reaction to prevent further injury to the skin.
Jewett said there is higher exposure to UV light in Utah because of the higher elevation. The higher altitudes cannot filter the UV rays as effectively as when at sea level.
According to the Center for Devices and Radiological Health Web site, there are three types of UV radiation.
The first type, UVC radiation, never makes it to earth because the ozone layer reflects it back into space. UVB is associated with sunburns, and UVA is recognized as a deeper penetrating radiation.
Jewett said more aggressive skin cancer is being found on younger people and on a variety of areas on the body.
'Usually skin cancer would be on the ears, nose and shoulders, but we are seeing it on backs, chests and behinds,' she said.
The American Cancer Society suggests the strongest sun hours, which should be avoided, are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They also recommend wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and using sunglasses.
'Sunscreen buys time in the sun,' Jewett said. 'Doctors at my office bathe in it. They put on lots of it and they do it regularly. They are tan by the end of summer.'
Kate Staheli, from New Hampshire, said, 'I got burned really bad one time and now I use sunscreen on my face so that I won''t get burned that bad again. The sun can really ruin your skin if you''re not careful.'
Jewett said if you see flaky marks on your body or blisters that aren''t healing; a visit to the dermatologist might be beneficial.
'If you are going to tan, be intelligent,' Jewett said. 'You need to protect yourself. Use sunscreen and apply it often.'