The sunny days have finally arrived! And we hate to be Debbie Downers about the warmer weather and all, but what kind of beauty advisers would we be if we didn't remind you that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month?

So before you get  all carried away with trips to the beach and sun bathing marathons, read up on how to have summer sun fun safely!

We recently chatted with Jan Marini, CEO of Jan Marini Skin Research. Marini is a pioneer in the professional skincare arena. She has more than three decades of experience researching and developing new and innovative skincare technologies.  So who better to ask about how to enjoy a few rays of sunshine the smart way?

Check out some of Jan's top beauty tips to help keep skin protected and youthful during the summer months:

How To Protect Your Tresses

Who knew that the sun could truly damage your hair? "Sun exposure breaks down the Disulfide bonds in hair, causing color fading (think of that $200 color service), brittleness and breakage," Marini revealed. "Remember, your scalp is an extension of the same skin that is on your face and it requires the same attention!"

Jan explained that cumulative sun exposure throughout the year, damages and ages the scalp and, as a result, compromises and decreases the factors that promote luxurious, full, healthy hair.

So how best to protect that new dye job? "Be sure to use a conditioner or leave-on spray that contains a sun protectant. And, wear a hat," Marini advised.

How To Protect Your Lips

Believe it or not, your lips are one of the most vulnerable and most exposed areas and, often, the most forgotten! So to prevent skin cancer while keeping your lips soft, hydrated and supple, Marini recommends to generously massage sun protectant into the lip area.

Here's to safe puckery pouts and happy hair flips all summer long!

This article was originally published on Fashion Times