YOUR DERMATOLOGIST NAGS you about it. Your mom, too. Nonetheless, you head out on these preciously clear July days underdressed — no sunscreen, no hat, no worries.

But after a few margaritas by the side of the Colonnade Hotel’s rooftop pool, the nagging also comes from your crispy red outer layer. Consider it a skin-care coming-of-age and just suck it up.

“Skin-cancer rates are reaching epidemic proportions in parts of the United States,” says Tom Fry of the American Sun Care Association, a Denver-based industry group that represents skin-protectant companies. “The problem with [Bostonians] is that there isn’t a concern. Folks feel that since they are so far north, there is less of a need to cover up. At least the folks out west are aware that the sun is a problem.”

Though Fry touts carrying parasols, staying out of the sun completely, and the like, we sun gods and goddesses are more interested in realistic, fun skin-care solutions.

Take sunscreen — it doesn’t have to be dorky. To indulge the playfully cheesy Christina Aguilera in you, smack on a little Sungirl Glitter Sunscreen in SPF 20 or 30. Available at your local drugstore, it comes in such peppy hues as fuchsia, lemon yellow, and cotton candy. Those of us looking for a little less zaniness in our wrinkle-prevention efforts may prefer the Body Shop’s tinted moisturizer with sunscreen or Zia Natural Skincare body sunscreen ($13.95 to $17.95) with an SPF of 15 to 30, available at Cambridge Naturals or online.

Then there are parasols: although the only people we’ve actually seen sporting them are Francophiles, improv-theater buffs, and Renaissance Faire–goers, the little umbrellas can offer excellent sun protection. Shelta Australia’s Tulip Mini Maxi parasol ($34.95), available at Skin-savers.com, carries a UPF (the fabric equivalent of SPF) of 50-plus. “The number of parasol users is growing,” notes Fry. “It is seeping into the American consciousness.” Scary, non?

Parasol-wary consumers should instead seek a hat that they’ll actually wear. Our sportswear fave J. Crew has a few tempting options, particularly the organza wide-brim hat ($18) in “jute,” “chamois,” “watermelon,” and “tile,” whatever colors those actually are.

Aside from hats, though, piling on clothes isn’t the best way to save your skin, notes Fry. “A white T-shirt provides a UPF of about six,” he says. But have no fear: U-V-Block ($13.20), available online from Atsko Products, is a spray that can turn a flimsy six-UPF cotton tee into a veritable 30-plus sun barricade.

How do you like me now, sun?

• Body Shop, Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, (617) 375-0070; 1440 Mass Ave, Cambridge, (617) 876-6634

• Cambridge Naturals, 1670 Mass Ave, (617) 492-4452

• J. Crew, Copley Place, 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, (617) 236-5950; CambridgeSide Galleria, 100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, (617) 225-2739; www.jcrew.com

• www.atsko.com, (800) 845-2728

• www.skin-savers.com, (888) 991-5200

• www.zianatural.com

Issue Date: July 12-19, 2001