We all love the summer. The sun, sand and beach. But the sun takes its toll. Not only on the look and feel of your skin but it also damages the DNA make up the cells.

According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) the most common cancer in South Africa is skin cancer with about 20 000 new cases reported each year. South Africa has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world after Australia, causing the deaths of over 700 South Africans each year. The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented by respecting the sun, using protection against the harsh rays of the sun and being vigilant about checking your skin.

Sunscreen's convenient, lightweight, oil-free sun shield safeguards even sensitive skin from immediate and long term sun exposure while it protects against powerful UVA/UVB rays that cause sunburn, cell damage and premature signs of aging.

In an effort to educate sun-worshippers of the harmful affects of the sun on our skin, Elizabeth Arden is embarking on a ?summer beach? drive introducing people to a new specially formulated sun shield product that protects the skin against the harmful rays and so preserves it.

From December 12, promoters dressed in board shorts, bikinis and bright yellow sarongs will take to the beaches of Clifton 1,2,3,4, Camps Bay, Margate, Ballito, Robberg and Beacon Isle spreading the sunscreen message.

Endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation?s Seal of Recommendation Program, Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 Sunscreen PA+++ is a good quality product that offers great protection. This seal is awarded to UV protection products with a minimum SPF 15 or UPF 30 that meet stringent criteria of The Skin Cancer Foundation.

So, the message this summer is: Look after your skin ? it?s the only one you?ve got. With summer finally here, it's important that we enjoy having fun in the sun but, most importantly, remember to use a good sunscreen with a UVA and UVB protection.

Here are some simple steps to save your skin: