iStock_000012818322_LargeSummer gives you plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, but don’t overlook the hazards of being in the sun. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can give you sunburn, dry out your skin, cause wrinkles and age spots to form and raise your risk of skin cancer. You don’t have to give up your outdoor time to protect your skin from sun damage. Instead, use the following skin care tips all season long, whether you’re going for a jog, doing some gardening, taking a relaxing walk or playing sports.

Always Apply Sunscreen

Sunscreen provides you with an effective defense against the sun’s UV rays. Just remember to put it on about 30 minutes before walking out the door, so your skin will have time to absorb it. Ideally, choose a sunscreen that has the following:

  • SPF 15 or higher to make sure you’re getting enough protection
  • Broad-spectrum protection that keeps your skin safe from UVA and UVB rays
  • Water-resistance if you’ll be swimming or working up a sweat

Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen every couple of hours, so it will keep on protecting your skin.

Protect Your Lips

It’s easy to overlook the skin on your lips, but it’s important to give this extra-sensitive area some sun protection. Wear lip balm with SPF 15 or higher, and reapply it every two hours while you’re outdoors. Keep in mind that you can wear lipstick with SPF if you want to dress your lips up with some color.

Choose Personal Products Carefully

If you have an outdoor event to attend and don’t want to end up with a greasy face from sunscreen or sunblock, look for makeup products that block UV rays. These products have SPF that helps keep your skin safe from the sun, although they’re not as effective as sunscreen. If you’ll be foregoing sunscreen and putting makeup on, consider wearing a hat to shield your face from the sun’s rays.