Teens: Summer is almost here and many teens will be enjoying the warm rays of the sun, seeking that great tan. But that same tanning sun can also permanently damage the skin. The following list of important sun-tanning questions and answers is provided by Southern California dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Lauber:

1. When is the sun most dangerous?

The sun is most dangerous between noon and 2 p.m., daylight-saving time. If you do sunbathe, don't do it during these hours. And do wear a highly protective sunscreen even when you're just out and about at that time of day.

2. What does SPF mean?

SPF is short for sun protection factor. The SPF rating helps you determine the amount of time you can spend in the sun safely. For example, a sunscreen with an SPF of 10 lets you stay in the sun approximately 10 times longer without burning than if you weren't wearing the sunscreen. (The higher the number, the greater the protection.)

3. What are the sunburn danger zones?

The lips and the tip of the nose are extra-sensitive to the sun. The lips don't develop protective pigment the way the rest of your skin does. And because of the nose's angle on the face, it's out there catching more rays. Body areas that are normally unexposed to the direct sun are particularly vulnerable: the back of the knees, the top of the feet, even the eyelids — when you close your eyes for a sunny snooze.

4. How do shade, water and weather affect sun exposure?

Since sand reflects one-quarter of the sun's rays, you definitely can get sunburned even under an umbrella — it will just take longer. Water is actually a poor sun reflector (snow, however, reflects 200 percent of the sun's rays). And watch out for haze: Even on a cloudy day, 70 percent of the sun's rays can still reach you.

5. Does the sun cause wrinkles?

Yes, it does. The amount of time you spend in the sun, the climate where you live, and your skin type all affect the degree to which your skin will show sun damage. Generally, the first signs appear around the eyes, at about the age of 28. Sunscreens can slow down and even prevent some of the sun's harmful effects, but nothing can reverse the damage that's already been done.

6. Can brown- or black-skinned people suffer from sunburn?

Yes. All people, regardless of skin pigmentation, can suffer painful and damaging sunburn.

TEEN GIRLS ARE BETTER DRIVERS

DR. WALLACE: Who are better drivers — males or females? We have a huge family argument concerning this question. Please answer as soon as you can. — Sadie, Philadelphia, Pa.

SADIE: If better means safer, then females are the winners by a wide margin. According to a survey by Prevention magazine, females are less likely to speed and more likely to wear a seat belt than males. Twenty-six percent of males drink and drive. The percentage for females is reduced to 15 percent. Let's work hard to see that these percentages are lowered in the very near future for both sexes!

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.