Many people think a tan protects them by helping block the damaging effects of UV radiation. In fact, a tan represents skin damage. Even brief exposure to ultraviolet light can cause mutations in the DNA of skin cells, including the melanocytes, the host cells for melanoma. Accumulate enough of those mutations and a cancer can result.

“As we age, the number of mutations increase and our immunity wanes,” Dr. Wagner explained — a double whammy that greatly increases the likelihood of skin cancer.

– Jane E. Brody, New York Times.

I’m not here to tell you what to do and I hate being too preachy or a total spoilsport. But it’s getting to be beach season, and in the spirit of Johan Santana’s event last night I figured I’d pass along the link.

Wearing sunscreen is way easier than dying. The only tricky part is that not all sunscreens adequately protect the whole range of sunrays that can mess you up. Look for products that boast “broad-spectrum” protection or use this guide.

But hey, don’t take my word for it. John Franco’s closing in on 50 (!) with the radiant skin of a 35-year-old. Is it weird that I asked Mike Pelfrey if he “slathered up”? Yes. Whatever. For a good cause.