1. Smother Yourself in Sunscreen
It may seem like a no-brainer, but sunscreen is the most important method of preventing sunburns while hiking. While most people remember their bottle of SPF, many mistakes are made when choosing a sunblock. If you will be out in the sun for more than a few hours, it is important to choose an SPF of 45 or more and reapply at least every 2 hours. Even if the day is cloudy and overcast, the most harmful forms of UV rays are still hanging in the air and damaging your skin, so make it a habit to smother yourself with sunscreen, rain or shine. Additionally, when applying your first layer of sunscreen for the day, massage the lotion into your skin thoroughly, allow it to soak into the skin for 20 or 30 minutes, and then apply another layer. If you are swimming or sweating, reapply more often, even if your chosen sunblock claims to be waterproof. Remember, sunscreen does go bad, so buy a new bottle each season.
2. Take Cover
Keeping your skin covered is one of the easiest ways to prevent sunburn while hiking. While having fun in the sun, you may be tempted to wear tank-tops, shorts and other skin-exposing clothing to keep yourself cool, but you will quickly note the error of your ways when your skin is red and burning. Great ways to take cover include light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, floppy hats which shade the face as well as the neck and even umbrellas, if you are so inclined. Additionally, protect your eyes with a nice pair of UV sunglasses.
3. The Sun Loves Hard to Reach Places
If you forgot your hat, you shouldn't believe that your hair will protect you. Avoid burning your scalp while hiking by applying a small amount of sunscreen to your hair, paying special attention to where your hair parts. Additionally, many shampoos and leave-in conditioners contain SPF protection which will prevent sunburns and sun-damaged hair. Always use a sunscreen for your lips as well, reapplying several times throughout the day. Finally, don't forget some of the hard to reach places that the sun loves to burn, such as the backs of the legs, knees, arms and neck as well as the ears. While you shouldn't be wearing sandals while hiking, if any part of your feet or ankles are exposed, don't forget them either.
