Because your skin should always be healthy and happy.

You want to get outside and have some fun in the sun, but you don’t want to wind up suffering the consequences of prolonged sun exposure. So what are you to do? Keep some common sense sun safety tips in mind and you’ll protect your skin for years to come.

Spread the Block

The most common way to protect against sunburn is by using sunscreen. And for good reason. It’s one of the most effective defenses from suffering injury by the hot, hot sun. However, while you may know that wearing sunscreen is a good idea, you may not be wearing it properly.

To get the most out of your sunscreen, wear sunscreen with the highest SPF (sun protection factor) available. This high-SPF sunscreen (think 30, 45, or higher) may keep you from getting a bronze tan, but you’ll reap the rewards when your skin is healthy years down the road. And no matter how high the SPF is, be sure to apply it a few minutes before going outside and reapply every couple hours for maximum protection.

Dress Up

You may usually don your skimpiest swimsuit during a day at the beach or the pool, but if you want to keep your skin good shape, that will have to change. Any time you’re not in the water, wear a light, breathable long-sleeved shirt and a pair of light pants. For even stronger UV protection, seek clothes that are made with sun-blocking fabrics. This clothing is usually very light and comfortable, and when worn along with sunscreen, you have twice the protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

In addition to wearing clothing, there are two other necessities for sun protection: a good hat and a pair of sunglasses. Whether you’re bald or have a heedful of hair, wearing a hat lends a hand to your sun-fighting efforts. Believe it or not, the eyelids are one of the most common sites prone to skin cancer. Wearing a pair of sunglasses will keep you from squinting, while keeping your eyelids from being sunburned and potentially suffering cancer in the future.

Stay Away

Are you particularly sensitive to the sun? Get sunburned in a mere 15 minutes? Then you’ll want to do everything in your power to avoid skin-changing burns. Another means to sidestep sunburn is by avoiding the sun at its most dangerous. In addition to the previous steps, you’ll want to soak in your vitamin D in the early mornings and stay indoors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun is its most dangerous.

By following these simple steps, you’ll avoid painful burns and potential cancer and enjoy a lifetime of healthier skin!