Get shady.
Hang out in the shade—say, under an umbrella or leafy tree—when you’re outdoors.

Be pool smart.
Even when it’s hot and humid, you can still have dry, irritated skin—and often the culprit is pool water. Keep your skin moist by showering immediately after a dip in any pool. Use fresh clean water and a mild cleanser or body wash made for swimmers.

Cover up.
Whenever possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outside. Tightly woven fabrics provide the best protection from the sun’s damaging rays.

Top off with a hat.
To protect your face, ears and the back of your neck from the sun, wear a hat with a broad rim all the way around.

Don’t forget sunglasses.
They protect your eyes from sun exposure and also reduce your risk of cataracts. Wraparound sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of all UV light are the best choice.

Slather on sunscreen.
Go for one that offers broad-spectrum protection, has an SPF of 30 or higher, and is water-resistant. Reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating or toweling off.

Time your outdoor workouts.
Exercise during the coolest part of the day. You’ll reduce your risk of prickly heat (heat rash) if you don’t sweat profusely.

Blot sweat.
Use a clean towel or cloth. Wiping can irritate your skin and cause breakouts if you’re prone to acne.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; American Academy of Ophthalmology; National Institute on Aging; Skin Cancer Foundation; Coffey Communications