Whether you live in northern Sweden or a beach town in Mexico, it’s impossible to avoid exposure to the sun. Even on cloudy days, your skin is exposed to UV rays, which may lead to future complications like premature ageing or even skin cancer.

Nervous about sun-damaged skin down the road? Don’t worry, you don’t need to adopt a nocturnal lifestyle to keep yourself safe!

There are plenty of simple, low-cost solutions to protect your skin from the sun year-round. With these five tips, it’s easy to start taking care of your skin today, so you have a radiant, healthy complexion for years to come.

Seek Out Shade

When you’re out and about on a sunny day, try to stay in the shade as much as possible. Shade doesn’t cost a penny and is an excellent way to limit exposure. Plus, staying in the shade keeps you cool, which minimizes the risk of other sun-related complications like heat exhaustion.

Quick tip: If you’re heading to a location without trees or natural shade—like the beach—bring an umbrella to provide additional protection.

Use Sunscreen

An effective sunscreen is a must-have when it comes to caring for your skin. It’s important to use the right sunscreen for the right occasion, so you have effective coverage at all times.

Searching for the perfect protection? Here are some options to consider:

Waterproof sunscreen – For days at the beach or adventures at the waterpark, invest in a waterproof sunscreen. Make sure you follow the recommended reapplication guidelines to ensure hours of protection (and fun) in the sun.

Sensitive skin sunscreen – Does your face break into an angry rash when you use regular sunscreen? It may be time to try a sensitive skin sunscreen. Use this on your face and neck to minimize irritation and redness.

Mineral sunscreen – Another great option for those with sensitive skin, mineral sunscreen is kind to your face and the environment. Products like powder sunscreen are made with minerals rather than artificial chemicals and protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Cover Up

Before you head out for the day, take a minute to layer up! Even the best sunscreen doesn’t offer total protection all day long. Wearing layers in addition to sunscreen shields sensitive skin from prolonged exposure:

Bring light cover-ups – Particularly during the summer, choose light layers like long-sleeve linen and cotton shirts. They’re easy to throw on over a sleeveless top to cover your shoulders while keeping you cool.

Wear a hat – A baseball cap is a great choice for athletic activities in the sun, while a hat with a large brim is a fantastic option for less rigorous activities like gardening and picnics.

Protect your neck – Bandanas and light scarves provide an extra layer of coverage for your neck during long days outside.

Wear Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important as protecting your skin. Sunglasses shield your eyes from harsh rays and reduce eyestrain. We recommend polarized sunglasses for increased glare-reduction (especially while driving).

Don’t forget that it’s important to protect your eyes in the winter, too! Wear goggles for weekend ski trips and don’t forget sunglasses to reduce brightness when you’re driving in the snow.

Pay Attention to Timing

When you’re planning outdoor excursions, be mindful of peak sun-exposure hours. Typically, the sun is most intense between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Higher intensity UV rays increase your risk of burns and skin damage, so spend time outside in the evening or early morning to mitigate these risks.

A Little Goes a Long Way Protecting your skin from UV exposure isn’t complicated. With a little sunscreen, protective layers, and shady outdoor areas, you’ll be ready for hours of fun outdoors without damaging your outer layer of skin.