Bermudians opt for outdoor activities, proper skin care becomes particularly important. And while the majority of the public understands the damaging effect the sun can have on skin, the lure of the immediate tan is often too great a temptation with any thought of protection cast aside. If one follows the expert advice of the professionals at Strands Skin Clinic & Day Spa however, it is possible to achieve a beautiful tan and all the benefits of the sun with little or no risk of wrinkles or skin damage. "Tanning is the skin's own protection mechanism in the sun but tanning without caring for the quality of the skin can contribute to skin damage and premature ageing,'' explained William Mayo, the Spa's managing director. "When additional protection is neglected in favour of achieving a tan at all cost, skin damage will invariably occur. In order to preserve the natural qualities of the skin and to facilitate the tanning process, specific sun care products which nourish and protect are essential.'' The sun produces a variety of rays, he added, all of which have different effects on the skin. "Certain skin cells, the melanocytes, produce the melanin pigment responsible for the light, honey tones or deeper brown colour of a tan. The sun projects a variety of rays and it is important to understand the differences if we are to protect the skin effectively with the right products.'' Infra-reds, he said, produce heat but have virtually no tanning properties. They can dehydrate, cause hot, burning sensations and serve as a signal of oncoming sunburn; they also produce vasodilation, the origin of some circulatory problems. Ultra-violet rays, those which tan the body, come in three forms -- UVCs are dangerous but the ozone layer prevents them from reaching the skin. UVAs are absorbed by the skin through to the dermis level. Responsible for the immediate tanning of the superficial layers of the epidermis, they damage the elastin and collagen fibres and set the ageing process in motion. UVBs tan the skin, entering the epidermis and stimulating the production of melanin within 48 hours to develop a tan, or sunburn, if protection is not sufficient. Even at the onset of warmer weather it is important that precautions be taken against the sun.

Warns Mr. Mayo: Beware of early summer sun. Whether out walking or pottering around in the garden, remember to apply your sun protection to avoid unpleasant, uncomfortable surprises at the end of the day.

Be careful wherever you are. Whatever your outdoor activity, wherever you are, cycling, walking, mountain climbing, the sun always shines with the same intensity. Bear this in mind to avoid the unpleasant surprise of redness and sunburn after a day outdoors.

Allow no more than 45 minutes daily exposure for the first few days. This is sufficient to set the tanning process in motion.

Use patience! A tan takes at least two days to surface. Don't hurry, it's well worth the wait.

Skin types fall into two main categories, he said, and should be protected accordingly. Fair skin types, those which tan from pink to lobster red, require maximum protection throughout the entire holiday period. And while those with darker, olive skins often over-indulge in sun exposure or neglect protection, such persons should actually use a high protection product for the first few days before switching to a lower level.

"It also must be remembered that every skin has its own individual tanning threshold,'' the skin care authority explained; "additional sun exposure will have no further tanning effect. At this stage, only self-tanners will deepen a tan.'' According to Mr. Mayo, there are a number of proven safety rules which the Spa suggests its clients follow to prevent wrinkles and premature ageing: 1. Apply sun care products before going outdoors. These are rapidly absorbed by the skin and the active ingredients will prevent sunburn before you arrive at your destination. Pay special attention to the ears, tops of the feet and behind the knees.

2. Do not expose for more than 45 minutes a day. After this period, the melanocytes are saturated and do not produce any more melanin to further a tan.

3. Avoid exposure between 12 and 3 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest, and burn rather than tan.

4. Dry skin thoroughly after swimming, and if possible, rinse off with fresh water. The "magnifying glass effect'' of water on the skin can cause sunburn and also reduces the effectiveness of suncare products, even water resistant ones.

5. Drink plenty of water. Swimming is lots of fun but the sun is at work evaporating precious body moisture which needs to be replaced. Avoid drinking fluids that are too cold as the contrasting temperatures can cause stomach upsets.

6. Re-apply sun care products every hour and after swimming. To gain maximum effectiveness, they should be applied generously and often.

7. Before leaving the beach, paddle in the water (to mid-calf level) to reduce any swelling or puffiness caused by the heat.

8. If you notice a change in the size or colour of beauty spots or moles, consult your dermatologist immediately.

9. Encourage a tan with vitamins and natural self-tanners such as carrots, fresh vegetables and lemon juice.

10. Red skin is burnt skin. Seek shelter immediately! Then apply After Sun Gel.

There are also a number of tips regarding the environment that one should keep in mind while in the sun, he said.

"Everyone should be aware of the effect that light reflection -- light rays that bounce back off a surface -- can have,'' he said. "This means that sunburn can occur even under a parasol. Light is reflected by 20 percent on sand, 5 percent in the water (the weakest reflection but the most deceptive as the coolness of the water does not weaken the intensity of the rays) and 85 percent in the snow. Keep these facts in mind.'' Children, especially need special protection when paddling in the water, Mr.

Mayo stressed as their skin is particularly sensitive to the sun's rays and must be carefully protected.

"Their horny layer, which provides natural protection, is less developed.

High protection (12/15) is therefore essential as the skin possesses a UV `memory bank' and over exposure or sunburn occurs during childhood, it can cause skin damage later in life.'' He added that it is also important to check with one's doctor in case any prescribed medication is incompatible with sun exposure. Certain types, he explained, are photosensitising and can cause pigmentation marks which are sometimes irreversible.

"Hands are one part of the body which are often neglected,'' he said. "And they show signs of sun-induced skin ageing extremely rapidly: dryness, wrinkles, and pigmentation marks. Remember to moisturise and protect them.

And, if desired, select a nail colour which will enhance tanned hands -- bronze or copper tones are ideal.'' Even in the shade, care must be taken, Mr. Mayo warned as the sun's rays can find their way to the skin through parasols, leaves, clouds, etc.

"Free radicals can cause premature ageing of the skin and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Specific protection is needed to combat their action which is activated by sun exposure. A diet rich in vitamins A, E, and C is also beneficial.

"Beautiful skin is also the result of continued care and a healthy lifestyle.

A light, varied diet, limited smoking and alcohol consumption and sufficient sleep all help to enhance a more beautiful tan.'' He also warned that in Bermuda, where many enjoy the pleasures of sailing, one should not be fooled by the fresh, cool, sea breeze, thinking that it serves to protect their skin from the sun. In fact, he said, it burns the skin all the more and as such, a higher level of protection should be used. "Finally, the eye contour area is the most fragile part of the face. Avoid direct exposure of the eyes and face and always wear tinted sunglasses outdoors. But if followed, this and the other common sense precautions suggested, will help prevent irritation and the appearance of fine lines.'' Strands Skin Clinic & Day Spa is located on Reid Street, Hamilton.

Total Sun Care protection is important for skin, say the experts at Strands