It is taking its time getting here, but summer is quickly on its way. And while these hot months are exciting and filled with outdoor activities it is important not to forget the one thing you should never leave home without--and no it is not a credit card--it is your sunscreen.

According to a survey commissioned by the makers of Coppertone, 72 per cent of Canadians do not know how often they should re-apply sunscreen.

"Based on these survey results, Canadians get a failing grade when sun safety is concerned," says Dr. Patricia Agin, research director of Coppertone Solar Research Center. "These findings should be considered a wake-up call for Canadians to better protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun."

Dr. John Goldhar, director of The Facial Rejuvenation Centre in Toronto stresses the importance of sunscreen not only for outdoor activities but for every day use.

"It is a well-known fact that sun exposure is the number one cause of premature aging of the skin. What is not well known is that most UV damage occurs not while sunbathing but with everyday exposure to the sun," says Goldhar.

"UVA also suppresses the immune system for up to two weeks and it is thought that this suppression is an important factor in the appearance of cold sores, which some people develop after sun exposure. This immune suppression may also permit the growth of certain skin cancers and pre-cancers as well as non-skin cancers," says Goldhar.

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