16 Ways To Avoid Sneaky Sunburns

Sure putting on sunscreen is obvious, but most people think they only need that SPF 40 when they're heading to the beach. Remember to slather some on for any outdoor excursions—whether you're driving (think of how hot your left arm gets when you're stuck in traffic) or just heading out running errands for the day.

Don't forget to slather that sunscreen on your "hidden" areas—behind your ears, the back of your neck, your feet—that often get left out and are common areas for sunburn. Remember, the sun is an equal-opportunity burner.

Don't skimp on the sunscreen! A common mistake is using too little product and not getting enough coverage. You can bet you won't be counting your pennies if you're lying in bed suffering from a painful sunburn.

Rookie mistake: Only applying sunscreen once. Protection wears off with time, sweat and a swim, so remember to reapply throughout the day, depending on your activities and the length of your sun exposure.

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Study up on SPF levels, and don't use SPF 15 just because your BFF Misty says it's OK. Check out this great primer from the American Academy of Dermatology before you buy (they recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30).

The sun's UV rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so if possible schedule outdoor activities outside of this time frame. Bonus: You'll avoid all those annoying crowds at the beach.

Know what the latest sunburn-blocking trend is? Clothes! Cover up to avoid burning up—sleeves, hats and a sarong are excellent at minimizing your sun exposure, and many companies are even making clothing that specifically filters out harmful UV rays.

Did you know your eyes can get "sunburned"? Leaving your eyes unprotected can result in a condition known as keratitis, so don't forget to put on those shades after you've SPF'd and covered up everywhere else. Just make sure their label says they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

It sounds like a no-brainer, but how about just staying out of the sun? If possible, seek out shady areas or bring along a canopy or umbrella if you're going to be outside (don't bring these items to a baseball game, though, or the sun will be the least of your worries.) Make sure to still wear protective clothing and sunscreen to shield you from indirect sunlight exposure.

Sadly, we live in an imperfect world and some sunscreens labels just straight up lie. According to this recent study in Consumer Reports, many products fail to live up to their promises when it comes to protection or features like water resistance. Make sure your sunscreen is not giving you #fakenews.

If you're making a poolside margarita, might want to skip the garnish. Limes and other citrus fruits contain chemical compounds that—when combined with UVA rays—can cause a skin reaction called phytophotodermatitis that looks like a bad sunburn and can cause your skin to erupt in blisters.

Protect that pout! Sunscreen tastes awful so keep it away from your lips, but coat your kisser with a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 30 and reapply as often as possible.

Antibiotics are amazing, but they can also make your skin more vulnerable to a skin condition called phototoxic dermatitis that is triggered by sun exposure and resembles sunburn. And since sunscreen isn't guaranteed to protect you, experts say to cover up and stay out of the sun for the duration of your med cycle.

While acne products may be keeping your face clear, they also tend to thin the skin and make it more prone to sun damage. To be safe, avoid sun exposure while using acne medications or skip your treatment for the day if sun exposure is inevitable.

While not common, birth control pills have been linked to skin reactions such as blotchiness and dark patches. Since you have the foresight to use birth control, take your well-preparedness a step further and slather on that sunscreen.

Just because your sunscreen says "waterproof" or "water resistant," doesn't mean it'll last through all of your pool shenanigans. Reapply every two hours, even if you aren't sweating or swimming.