p on the tops of your arms or legs. Be sure to cover your feet, ears, lips and eyelids with sunscreen. You can find balms that are useful for the face and even cosmetics
with sun protection in them. Leave no inch of skin unprotected.
6. Water isn't your friend
Just like you wash off makeup or other body lotion
, water will knock out your sunscreen. Look for a product labeled "water resistant," which will you buy you some added time. Follow application instructions, waiting to get wet if needed. However, no matter how water resistant a product may be, water will still wash some of it away, as will sweat. Make sure to reapply your sunscreen often if you're swimming, water skiing or whatever the activity may be.
7. Reapply, reapply, reapply
One application of sunscreen doesn't mean all-day protection, even if the bottle may say so. As previously mentioned, water and sweat can wash away your sun screen, but even if you're dry, its effectiveness still fades. Reapply your favorite sunscreen every two hours at least while you're exposed to the sun.
8. Mind the date
Before you slather on that sunscreen from last year, check to make sure the product hasn't expired. Most sunscreens, in accordance with FDA guidelines, have a shelf life of three years, comparable to most cosmetics and health and beauty items. If it's too old, you won't be getting the promised SPF protection, so toss it out.
The last recommendation is not related to sunscreen but nonetheless important: Know when you're done. While being in the sun can be fun, everyone pretty much knows the moment they've overdone it. Avoid sunburn or worse (heat stroke) by heading into the shade regularly and being cautious between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's strength is at its highest. Wear protective clothing when you're not outside to swim or be in a bathing suit.
If you do get burned, treat it with a little aloe vera gel
. Keep it in the fridge and reapply as needed to help ease the burn and encourage healing.
Be serious about your sun protection to stay healthy this summer and beyond. Healthy skin is the sexiest, after all, so layer it on or rock your pale this summer and you'll be in good shape. Be sure to shop eVitamins for a range of natural sun protection products!