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Dermis (DER-mis): The lower or inner layer of the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin.

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Melanin (MEH-luh-nin): A pigment that gives color to skin and eyes and helps protect it from damage by ultraviolet light.

Melanocyte (mel-AN-o-site): Found in the lower part of the epidermis, these cells make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes make more pigment, causing the skin to darken.

Melanoma (MEH-luh-NOH-muh): A form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.

Mole: A benign (noncancerous) growth on the skin that is formed by a cluster of melanocytes (cells that make melanin, the substance that gives color to skin and eyes). A mole is usually dark and may be raised from the skin.

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Skin cancer (skin KAN-ser): Cancer that forms in tissues of the skin. There are several types of skin cancer. Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in basal cells (small, round cells in the base of the outer layer of skin) is called basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system) is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin.

SPF: Also called sun protection factor. It is a ratio based on the amount of UVB radiation needed to turn sunscreen- or sunblock-treated skin red compared to non-treated skin. For instance a person who burns in 5 minutes of exposure to the sun would calculate that number by the SPF level in the sunscreens.

SPF 12 through 29: Sunscreens with moderate protection against sunburns. Moderately recommended using the formula 12 (SPF number) times (x) 5 (minutes to burn) = 60 minutes until vulnerable to burns or for reapplication.

SPF 2 through 11: sunscreens with minimal protection against sunburns. Not advised using the formula 2 (SPF number) times (x) 5 (minutes to burn) = 10 minutes until vulnerable to burns or for reapplication.

SPF 30 or higher: Sunscreens with high protection against sunburns. This is the recommended level using the formula 30 (SPF number) times (x) 5 (minutes to burn) = 150 minutes until vulnerable to burns or for reapplication.

Squamous cell (SKWAY-mus sel): Flat cell that looks like a fish scale under a microscope. These cells cover inside and outside surfaces of the body.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SKWAY-mus sel KAR-sih-NOH-muh): Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts.

Sunblock: A substance that provides a high degree of protection against sunburn, often preventing most tanning as well as burning, as by obstructing the penetration of ultraviolet rays.

Sunscreen: A substance that helps protects the skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sunscreens reflect, absorb, and scatter both ultraviolet A and B radiation to provide protection against both types of radiation. Using lotions, creams, or gels that contain sunscreens can help protect the skin from premature aging and damage that may lead to skin cancer.

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