It’s summertime, and you know what that means. You’ll probably be participating in lots of outdoor activities, and chances are that will involve some degree of sun exposure. Tanning and sunburns are a common part of summertime fun, but be careful to protect yourself against the danger of skin cancer. Here are some of the ways you can save your skin from the sun.

Just say no to tanning booths. Despite what you may have heard, tanning booths are absolutely not safer than the rays from the sun. UVA rays are not harmless, and tanning booths will without a doubt damage your skin. If you must have a sun kissed look, opt for sunless tanning solutions like sprays and lotions that can fake a tan.

Know your risk. Some people are more prone to skin cancer than others, and you’ll need to be especially careful if you’re one of these people. Risk factors including having fair skin, red or blonde hair, light-colored eyes, moles, freckles, and birthmarks, and sunburning easily. You are especially at risk if you have family members who have had skin cancer, work or play outside a lot, and like to spend your time tanning either outside or in a booth.

Pay attention to the time. The sun’s rays are the strongest from 11AM to 3PM, so make plans to be inside or under shade during these hours to miss the strongest exposure from the sun.

Cover up when you go outside. You may not want to wear long sleeves in the summertime, but at least be sure to wear a hat as well as sunglasses that are well-rated for ultraviolet exposure. Protective clothing can help prevent some of the worst damage from the sun.

Be diligent with sunscreen. Find a type of sunscreen that you like and apply it more often than you think you need to. If you hate slathering on lotion, choose a spray that’s easier to apply. Sunscreen sticks are also handy to keep in your purse and apply to your face and arms when you’re caught with some surprise exposure to the sun.

Fun in the sun is an essential part of summer. You can’t avoid sun exposure to prevent skin cancer, but you can certainly be smart about it. Make an effort to protect your skin’s health by avoiding tanning, staying out of the most harmful rays, and covering up with protective clothing and sunscreen.