The warmer weather and sunny days have officially rolled into town. This means plenty of sunshine and long days ahead. Unfortunately, this weather and temperatures can cause not-so-sunny problems for unprotected individuals. Long exposure to the outside heat can lead to sunburns, heat rash, dehydration, and other preventable medical concerns. Among those potential health problems is skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. The most preventable cause of skin cancer is overexposure to ultraviolet light, either from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.

Here are three ways you can protect your skin over these rising temperatures.

1. Wear sunscreen/sunblock.
Sunscreen is an essential product to have on hand over the warmer months to prevent skin damage. Sunscreen should be worn by the whole family — adults and children over six months of age — and at all times. Even on a cloudy day, you should rub on some sunscreen as the sun can still cause damage through clouds. It’s advised to use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Don’t forget your lips, many lip balms also have SPF included in the ingredients.

2. Wear proper clothing.
When out and about over a sunny day, you should consider your clothing before stepping out the door. It’s advised to wear a wide-brimmed hat or UV blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Consider wearing dark or bright colors, as these colors keep UV rays from reaching your skin by absorbing them rather than allowing them to penetrate. Also, densely woven cloth, like denim, canvas, wool, or synthetic fibers, are more protective than sheer, thin, or loosely woven cloth. Remember this — the more skin that is covered, the better you protect your skin from the sun.

3. Choose the shade or lower UV hours to be outside.
To prevent sunburns, heat rash, and any other health problems, it’s best to limit your time in the sun. If you’re out doing yard work or just relaxing outdoors for a long period of time, seek shade when UV rays are the most intense, but keep in mind that shade structures such as trees, umbrellas or canopies do not offer complete sun protection. It’s advised to avoid the sun during peak hours of 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.