A little sun can be good for you, but spending copious amounts of time in it is a surefire way to cause damage, whether it's short-term damage like a sunburn or damage that develops later like skin cancer. The good news? There are so many strategies you can use to keep your skin protected while you're outside. Let's take a look at seven easy ways to take care of your skin while out in the sun.

1. Make It a Priority to Take Breaks in the Shade

If you're planning on spending extended periods of time outdoors, always look for shady areas where you can rest. This will prevent your skin from being exposed to the sun all day and keep you cool.

2. Put on a Large Hat

A large hat can protect your scalp, your face, and other sensitive areas like your neck and shoulder. If you forget a large hat, a baseball cap with a small brim will suffice. The focus here is to keep some of your most sensitive skin shaded.

3. Wear Sun-Repellent Fabric

Outdoorsy types know how important the right clothing is. While clothing can offer a wide range of benefits when spending time outdoors, clothes made from sun-repellant fabrics are especially important to have in your wardrobe. These will allow you to enjoy your day with reduced risk of dangerous sun exposure.

4. Apply Sunscreen Regularly

Sunscreen is your friend! Applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 (more is better) at least 15 minutes before you go into the sun and at least every two hours can keep you safer. Make sure to apply it more frequently if you're exposed to moisture through activities like swimming or if you're sweating frequently.

5. Keep Your Feet Covered

It's easy to forget to cover the feet. While flip-flops and sandals are popular during the summer, they can leave these sensitive areas exposed. Always opt for shoes that keep your feet protected.

6. Add UV Glasses to the Mix

Sunglasses serve two purposes: protecting your eyes and protecting the sensitive areas around your eyes. We might not think about the eye area becoming burned, but it does happen. Worse, this area is extremely sensitive and thin, which can lead to major problems should it become burnt. It's also important to wear glasses to protect the skin around your eyes from sun damage.

7. Tend to Any Burns Immediately

If you do happen to get burnt, acting fast is essential to protecting your skin. Use aloe vera to soothe burns, get out of the sun, and keep that area covered until it's healed. This will prevent further damage from occurring.

Having fun in the sun is not a bad thing. However, too much time in the sun can be. If you're someone who likes to spend time outdoors but doesn't want to deal with sunburns or other potential problems as frequently as you currently do, use the tips above to stay safe and remedy any problems when they arise.