So you’re ready to hit the beach with your pals, but before you go you stop to make sure you’ve got everything. Sunglasses? Check. Towel? Check? Beach Ball? Check. Cute new swim suit? Check. Seems like you’re all set, right? Wrong. Sunscreen is the most important accessory for any beach girl, but you‘ve got to put it on the right way in order to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays.

Your sunscreen should be at least SPF 15 and have these ingredients-avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide to block UVA and UVB rays. Put sunscreen on about 20-30 minutes before you go out, because it needs to absorb into your skin. Don’t skimp on the lotion either— cover all the parts of your skin that will be exposed generously, so that you can see a thick film of cream. Don’t forget your ears!

Now, rubbing sunscreen as you dart out the house isn’t going to cut it if you’ll be having fun in the sun for several hours. You’ve got to keep putting it back on. Reapply your sunscreen at least every 2 hours. When you sweat and swim, your skin needs more frequent application.

You should put on sunscreen all the time during the summer even when you think it’s not that sunny. That’s one of the biggest secrets— you can still burn when it’s cloudy outside! If you follow these rules, you should be well protected and won’t have your day ruined with yucky peeling skin. Have fun!