While lounging in the sun can feel wonderful, the harmful UV rays that come from the sun are doing not-so-wonderful things to our fragile skin. UV rays not only destroy the collagen in our skin, giving us wrinkles, dry patches, and generally accelerating the aging process, they can also (and more seriously) cause skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US According to cancer.org, melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 75,000 cases of skin cancer in 2012.

So what are the things we can do to help protect our skin during the summer and make sure we don’t become another sad statistic? We’ve put together a list of 10 top sun care tips to do just that.

1. SUNSCREEN

You’ve heard it before: sunscreen is a must. When you’re out shopping for sunscreen, you need to pay attention to what you’re actually buying, otherwise you could be doing more harm than good.

First, make sure what you’re buying is sunscreen, not suntan lotion. If there is a suntan lotion in the lotion, you could end up drawing more sun onto your body and burning your skin like a potato chip. If you read the bottle before you buy it, it will tell you everything you need to know.

There is also the decision about which SPF you should buy. There is everything from SPF 5 to SPF 100 on the market. According to the AAF (American Academy of Dermatology), SPF will help deflect the sun’s rays away from the skin. An SPF 15 will divert around 93%, while an SPF 30 will divert 97%. The higher the SPF, the longer you can stay in the sun without turning red. Also focus on UVA and UVB protection.

As you look for your sunscreen, check to see if it’s waterproof. This will ensure that you have adequate coverage for when you hit the pool, ocean or just break a sweat. If it’s not waterproof, you could end up washing it without even realizing it.

You should also remember to reapply your sunscreen at least every 2 hours to ensure it remains effective.

2. MAKEUP

Did you know that some makeup now comes with UV protection? Generally speaking, it won’t provide the protection found in a quality sunscreen, but if you want to keep looking good while protecting your skin at the same time, it will certainly help. We suggest that you apply sunscreen lotion to your face first, allow it to absorb, and then apply your UV protection makeup on top. This will provide much stronger protection than just makeup alone and will still keep you looking glam. If you buy waterproof makeup, you can also take a dip in the pool!

3. SUNGLASSES

Did you know that just like your skin, your eyes also get sunburned? Over time, this sun damage can cause cataracts and other problems.

Sunglasses not only look great, they provide vital protection for your eyes. Thanks to celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton, oversized sunglasses are all the rage right now. Oversized sunglasses provide more coverage and therefore more protection. Make sure you buy a pair that offers UV protection.

4. LOOK FOR THE SHADOW

The sun at certain times of the day is more damaging than at other times. Between 10 am and 4 pm the sun’s rays are strongest, so you should find some shade. This is where umbrellas, umbrellas, and wind blockers really come in handy, especially if you’re on a beach where shade may be limited. If you’re out and about, take advantage of this time to take shelter under a tree or enjoy an ice cream in a nice cafe.

5. STAY HYDRATED

We all know the damage that dehydration can do to the skin and during the hot summer months it is very easy to become dehydrated without even realizing it. Make sure you drink plenty of water. If you are out and about, carry a bottle of mineral water with you at all times and make sure to drink it. There is nothing worse than being thirsty and not being near a cold drink! Avoid alcohol and caffeine if possible, as it dehydrates. A nice cold beer or sangria may sound refreshing, but it will have the opposite effect, leaving you even thirstier.

6. ALOE

Keep a bottle of aloe gel nearby. If you end up in the sun for too long despite wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, then aloe gel can provide you with the instant relief you may need. You can lather it up generously and it will not only take away the sting of sunburn, but it will also help keep you from getting too red and blistered.

7. SPRAY

It’s not just about staying hydrated on the inside, try to carry a small bottle of mist water in your bag and mist yourself often. By staying hydrated inside and out, you can prevent overheating. Not only will this help you beat any type of heat rash, it could also help you prevent any type of flare-ups you may experience with rosacea.

8. LIPS

Your lips are also part of your skin, and unfortunately, they are a common place for cancer to form. People often overlook or simply forget to apply some protection to this area of ​​the face. Make sure you have a quality lip balm to carry with you at all times. At least an SPF 15 should be purchased. Avoid petroleum-based balms during your time in the sun, as they won’t help. Just like you do with your sunscreen, you should reapply the lip balm every two hours. This will ensure they don’t burn and stay soft and pliable.

9.HATS

Hats aren’t just for looking pretty, they’re a functional item of clothing that provides lots of moving shade! Not all hats are created equal though, so be sure to pick one with a nice big brim. This will help protect your eyes and the back of your neck from the sun’s dangerous UV rays.

10. DRESS APPROPRIATELY

From top to bottom, you must dress appropriately while outside. You can only put sunscreen on so many parts of your body, so pay attention to what’s happening on the rest of you.

Some garments will also have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). This will ensure that you can go anywhere without worrying about skin damage. Keep in mind that darker materials absorb UV light and tighter weaves in clothing can prevent UV rays from penetrating closer to your skin.