My favorite T-shirt slogan is "Pale is the new tan." Of course, I'm not a teenager... For many teens - girls and boys alike - having a great tan is an important fashion statement. Whether going to the beach or to the prom, teens believe that a little bit of color (or a lot) can be very flattering. Some bask in the sun to get their glow, something we know for a fact is dangerous to their health. Others opt for what they believe to be a safer option - tanning salons. Unfortunately, tanning beds are no safer than baking in the sun. Some teens argue that the tanning bed gives them a good "base," so when they go out in the real sun, they won't get burned. Tanning salons boast the use of UVA rays that "don't burn." The fact of the matter is that both UVA and UVB rays are involved in the development of skin damage that leads to skin cancer. Furthermore, UVA rays have a longer wavelength, allowing them to penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin to cause permanent wrinkling. If your teen refuses to go out in public without a tan, suggest a sunless tanner. A wide array of formulations from reputable brands is available. And whether your child is pale, tan, or somewhere in between, make sure he or she uses sunscreen, too. Do you let your teen use tanning beds?  Tell us! Read more:

• Tanning addiction: The dark side of bronzed skin
• The truth about tanning: Indoor and outdoor tanning dangers
• Get a great-looking tan -- without the sun

Summer is all about kids and the outdoors. While it's important for children to get fresh air, it's equally important that they stay protected from the damaging rays of the sun. One blistering sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of developing any type of skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends seeking shade between the hours of 10 A.M and 4 P.M. And children should wear sunscreen every time they go outside. There is a wide array of sunscreen products on the market, and finding the right one can be overwhelming. Some things to keep in mind:

• Always look for SPF 15 or greater.
• Consider creams and lotions, which are less drying to young skin than gel- and alcohol-based formulations.
• Look for waterproof or water-resistant varieties, especially when swimming and water play are involved.
• Unscented products may be less irritating for some children and less likely to attract insects.
• To test for allergies or irritation, place a small amount of sunscreen on the inside of your child's wrist the day before you plan to use it.
• Apply two tablespoons of sunscreen to your child's entire body 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours.
• Dress children in loose-fitting clothing made of tightly-woven fabrics.
• Encourage your child to wear broad-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Keep newborns out of the sun completely, and do not use sunscreen on babies under six months.

For more sunscreen advice, go to Sunscreen for kids