Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important aspects of skin care. Sun exposure throughout a lifetime can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and other skin issues, as well as an increased risk of skin cancer.

To get the most comprehensive sun protection, follow these steps:

Apply sunscreen to your skin – Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours — or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating heavily.

Seek out some shade – Avoid the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are at their most powerful.

Put on some protection gear – Tightly knit long-sleeved shirts, long leggings, and wide-brimmed caps will keep your skin protected. Consider UV-protective laundry additives, which provide an extra layer of UV protection for a set number of washes, or special sun-protective clothing, which is designed to block ultraviolet radiation.