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Sneaky Ways to Squeeze in Extra SPF

Help kick skin cancer to the curb with these sun-protecting steps
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You know you should wear sunscreen (every single day), and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Somehow, skin cancer is still on the rise -- even though it's the one form of cancer that can be prevented simply by applying a cream.

According to L'Oréal Paris and Melanoma Research Alliance, cases of melanoma, the most common cancer in American women, have tripled in the last 30 years. And according to the American Cancer Society, one person dies of melanoma every 57 minutes.

If that's not enough to scare you into stocking up on sunscreen and grabbing a beach umbrella, what about the fact that too much time in the sun will also make you look older? The Center for Disease Control reports that tan skin is damaged skin, which means, if you tan, you can expect to see fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots and sagging sooner.

Here are quick, derm-approved ways to up your sun protection game.

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Get a Better BB
You can skip that extra step of applying sunscreen to your face in the morning if you invest in makeup that is SPF 50 or higher. "During winter, foundations with an SPF of 15 to 30 are fine," says New York City dermatologist Jeannette Graf M.D. "But in the late spring and summer months, UVB rays become stronger, so you need SPF 50."

Remember: Just because the SPF of your product is higher doesn't mean you can skimp on coverage. For full protection, you need to be covering your face with at least a teaspoon-sized amount of makeup. And that's a lot.

For a cream-to-powder finish foundation, Dr. Graf recommends Avène High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50, $34. If you prefer a BB cream, we like L'Oréal Paris Advanced Suncare Silky Sheer BB Face Lotion SPF 50, $10.99, and Laneige BB Cushion SPF 50, $34. And if you like even less color, try a tinted sunscreen like Coola Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint, $36.

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Touch Up With SPF
If you sweat off your makeup during the day, you also sweat off your sunscreen. For on-the-go touchups, try a powder like Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 30, $52, or Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 45, $30. You can even dust them into your hair to sop up extra oil and give added protection to your scalp.

You can also help set your makeup on hot days by spritzing on Goldfaden MD Sun Visor SPF 30, $45. Mist the spray over your makeup to give skin a matte finish, and throw it in your bag for quick touch-ups for your face and body throughout the day.

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Sun-Proof Your Clothes
It may sound a little extreme (and even more unglamorous), but if you're hanging out in the sun all day, sun-protective clothing is a must. "Regular clothing gives very little sun protection," Graf says. "A white shirt will give you [SPF] three to five, while darker colors still only give you [SPF] eight to nine."

Before you roll your eyes at sun-protective clothing, check out brands like Mott 50 and Parasol (which is carried at Neiman Marcus). The fabric has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 50, and they make dresses, tees, pants and skirts.

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Accessorize Like Grace Kelly
Make like your favorite Old Hollywood actresses and don oversize sunnies and a wide-brimmed hat while outdoors. Or grab a parasol to shield yourself from UVA/UVB rays. (Yes, we really are trying to bring back the parasol.) Believe it or not, the eye is a common spot for skin cancer, and shades can help. Hats are great for protecting your face, and there are lines -- like Solartex -- with extra-high SPF.

Not ready to rock a hat? New York City dermatologist Gervaise Gerstner M.D. says, "Don't forget SPF on the scalp and part line!" While pulling the hair back to cover up your part helps, it's still important to spray sunscreen over the hair, as the scalp is one of the most common areas people overlook when applying sunscreen.

BY MARISSA DESANTIS | MAY 20, 2014 | SHARES
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