Things You'll Need:
- Big hat
- Hiking gear
- 45 SPF sweat-proof sunscreen
- Watch
- Maps
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Step 1
Screen up early and often. Make sure to apply sunscreen before you set out to hike. While you're hiking, take breaks every few hours to reapply the sunscreen. Using a high SPF sunscreen is vital--SPF 45 or higher, even if you don't burn easily. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a simple calculation. If you normally burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen, applying SPF 45 would give you 45 times the protection, or up to 450 minutes of sun protection without being sunburned.
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Step 2
Sweat-proof sunscreen. Another important part of sunscreen, especially while hiking and working up a sweat, is finding sunscreen that won't rub off when you sweat. Many sunscreens now feature the sweat-proof option. Banana Boat, a popular sunscreen brand, offers a sunscreen for athletes, a sweat-proof product.
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Step 3
Wear a hat. Particularly a floppy hat with a large brim that protects all around your head and neck, like what Gilligan wore on Gilligan's Island. Whether the sun is in front of you, above you, or behind you, you need to make sure to protect where the sun is hitting. It's also helpful not to hike during the peak sun hours if you can avoid it.
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Step 4
Stay out of the sun. When possible, stay out of the direct sunlight. This is not too difficult if you are hiking in a heavily wooded area with many trees. It's obvious that if you are not in direct sunlight while you hike, you will not burn as easily. So be careful and try to hike under the shade when given the opportunity.
