PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

At a minimum, you should be wearing 30 SPF sunscreen all year round, says Maura Jeffries, a pharmacist with UPMC Presbyterian Prescription Shop. “Contrary to popular belief, we should always be wearing sunscreen, 365 days a year,” says Jeffries. “Even if you have a darker skin tone or you tan easily, everyone should be wearing sunscreen.”

People may think that they don’t need sunscreen in the winter, or while driving or swimming during the summer, but UVA rays from the sun that can cause cancer are still present in the winter and can penetrate car windows and water.

Related: Now That Spring is Here, Protect Your Skin With Our Favorite Sunscreens

“In the summer, at the beach, application [should be] every two hours, especially when you’re in the water,” Jeffries says. “There really is no water-proof, water-resistant sunscreen. It’s going to come off eventually.

“The best thing to do when you’re at the beach … find some shade, put on a hat, a shirt, anything to cover up your skin, any protection helps.”

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

In addition to cancer, sun damage can also cause wrinkles, sunspots and skin discolorization, Jeffries notes.

She says the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens is minimal; both work to block UV rays. In terms of lotion versus spray, she recommends lotion for better coverage and to avoid spraying particles into the environment. But with wiggly children, if spray is all they’ll tolerate, just make sure you’re applying it to their skin in close range.

“With some kids, there’s only so much you can do,” she says. “The more protection you can give them the better.”

The maximum SPF she recommends is probably 50, she says, especially if you’re going to be outside all day. Some research shows that anything over a certain number is not any more effective, but more research needs to be done, she says.

In case of sunburn, she recommends keeping the body hydrated with lots of water and keeping the skin moisturized.

“Colloidal oatmeal lotion — one of the active ingredients in Aveeno products — is good for any kind of inflammation,” she says