5 Ways You Might Get Sunburned Without Even Knowing It

We're on the second half of summer, but that doesn't mean you should be lax about wearing sunscreen or being careful about your time in the sun. El Paso sun can fade the color of car paint, so believe me, it will hurt you if you're not careful. If you want to make sure you make it safely through the summer months, here are a few things to remember about the sun and how to avoid getting sunburned:

1. Don't use expired sunscreen - You might think that you can use sunscreen indefinitely, but it turns out that most only last about 3 years, but only if you store it properly. Make sure any leftover sunscreen gets put in a cool, dark place if you are going to use it again the next summer. During the summer, make sure sunscreen doesn't get left in the direct sun. If it changes consistency, throw it away.

2. Forgetting your ears, neck and scalp - It might slip your mind to cover your ears, neck, and scalp, but they will get just as much sun as the rest of you. When you're putting sunscreen on you and your kids, make sure all of your skin is covered.

3. Be careful about reflections - Water, windows, vehicles, anything reflective will throw nothing but seriously harsh rays on you and will roast you like a nekkid chicken. If you are outside and there is sun visible, you need sunscreen. Having said that....

4. Don't go out on shady days - Or, if you do go out, don't think you are protected from the sun because it's behind the clouds. 80 percent of the sun's UV rays can pass through clouds and that's why you will get just as sunburned on overcast days as sunny days.