1. SPF 30 or bust. SPF or Sun Protection Factor indicates the amount of time you can spend in the sun without damaging your skin for that SPF level.  For example, SPF 30 means you can stay in the sun 30 times longer than your normally would before you damage your skin (burn).  SPF 30 is the perfect default sunscreen for those lazy days on the beach or by the pool.
2. Lather up 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Your mom was right, you should always apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to going out in the sunlight for ultimate protection.  Applying the lotion early allows your skin to soak up the sunscreen and also reduces the risk of it coming off due to sweat, swimming and clothing.
3. Don’t forget your feet! One of the worst places to have a sunburn is the tops of your feet so don’t forget to slap some SPF on those as well.  It is also important to remember the tops of your ears, your scalp (especially for you baldies) and your eyelids.  There is such a thing as spray-SPF for your scalp – you can apply it to the part in your hair or your head in general to make sure it is protected.
4. Pucker up for some SPF. Your lips are a VITAL part of your body and can be burned easily in the sunlight leaving you dry, chapped and un-kissable.  Make sure you bring a tube of your favorite SPF-filled chapstick.  Don’t be fooled either ladies, lip gloss may be cute and shiny but it won’t help much against the not-so-cute UVA rays.
5. H2O … H2O… Staying hydrated in the summer time is a no-brainer, for most of us.  Making sure that you get your 8 glasses of water a day is even more important if you are in the sun all day than ever before.  Staying hydrated will allow your body to keep your skin moisturized, sweat appropriately and function normally.  If you are in the sun all day, chances are you will sweat more than you think so have a glass of water every hour or so to make sure you are staying hydrated and healthy.
6. When in doubt, go faux. There are many perks to using self-tanners and getting a fake tan.  The first and most obvious is definitely protection from harmful, cancer-causing sun’s rays.  There are a million fake tanners out there and quite possibly the best is the airbrush tan that is administered by your favorite salon-tech.  Not only do you  go in pasty and walk out as a bronze godess but as long as your moisturize regularly, it can last for about 14 days!  If you can’t find a local spray-tanner place, head to your local drugstore and grab some gradual self-tanning lotion or foam.  They smell pretty pleasant and because they are gradual tanners, you can control how dark you want to be!

Between self-tanners and lip balm, these tips should keep you safe and protected all summer long.   So in review, grab some SPF 30, bring your water bottle, lather up 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, don’t forget your feet and ears and better yet, go faux!

Special thanks to:  Ask Men, WebMD and Dermatologists everywhere!