Keeping your skin protected while exercising outdoors is extremely important. Not only can bad sunburn stop your best efforts to work out, it can age you prematurely and worse, cause skin cancer. Too much exposure to the sun can be deadly, but it is probably one of the easiest conditions to prevent. It just takes a little thought and planning ahead. Here are a few tips on keeping skin safe when outdoors:

• Keep cool and protected from harmful rays by staying in the shade as much as possible. If you plan on being outside for much of the day, try seeking shelter under a shade tree, sun umbrella or the shade of a building. It will keep you from getting overheated and help you keep hydrated. This is especially important if you aren’t near a fresh water source and drinking water is limited.
• Sunscreen works! There are plenty of good sunscreens on the market that aren’t greasy and oily and don’t cover you in a white cream that makes you ghostly-looking. Make sure to get one with an SPF of at least 15. If you’re going to be at the beach or involved in an activity that will mean you’re in the sun all day, go for a higher number, or use a complete sun block. Be sure it’s waterproof. Remember to reapply according to the directions on the product label.
• Stay covered. Don’t forget ears, neck and places on the scalp that are exposed by a hair-part or thinning or balding hair. Use sunscreen on these areas, and if possible, wear a brimmed hat to be sure you prevent sunburn
• Don’t forget your lips. This is especially important because people tend to talk, eat, drink and wipe their lips throughout the day. Remember to get a good sunscreen, especially for lips, and keep it in a pocket. Reapply often to prevent overexposure to the sun.
• Clouds mean nothing where the sun is concerned. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a good cloud cover means you don’t have to use a sunscreen or sun block. It’s especially important to apply sunscreen if it’s cloudy or overcast because the cooler air provided by a hidden sun makes it easy to forget that the dangerous rays are still penetrating skin.
• Be careful in the water. Remember that you won’t notice a burn when your body is in the water. Also, keep in mind that the water reflects the sun’s rays, making it easier to burn in the water than it is sitting on the beach. Reflected water on skin actually magnifies the effects.
• The sun is everywhere! A good sunscreen is necessary whenever you’re outside during the day. Whether you’re walking, biking, playing tennis, basketball, having a picnic or working in the yard, the sun’s rays are beating down on your skin. It takes just a few minutes to apply a bit of sun screen to the exposed parts of your body. It’s worth the extra few minutes to avoid bad sunburn.

For most people, getting a small amount of sun each day is healthy. It helps bodies produce Vitamin D, and some claim a small dose of daily sunshine prevents depression. However, too much sun will always end in sunburn. This is the body’s natural defense. Not only is a sunburn ugly and painful, but it is potentially very dangerous. Make time in the sun enjoyable by protecting your skin whenever you’re outdoors.