Summer has become so much more complicated since I was a kid. Sunscreen meant that we were about to go on vacation to the beach. We never wore it at home. In fact, we used to sneak baby oil and cooking oil to the pool to ensure a crispy tan. Those brilliant moves are why we see so many cases of skin cancer today. So while sunscreen may seem to have evolved into a more complex process, it’s because we’re getting smarter and are now more capable of protecting the only skin we’re ever getting from the very harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.

And it’s not really that bad. A few dermatologists have put together this handy guide to proper sunscreen application that will only add 2 minutes and a shot glass to your slathering routine.

Always choose a sunscreen that says “broad-spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection”. It’s the UVB rays that cause sunburn, but the UVA rays that cause cancer. Don’t even consider using anything with less than SPF30, and don’t think your makeup or moisturizer is helping. Even those that say they have a high SPF are pretty useless. You’d have to pile on so much to come close to that SPF rating, no one would ever leave the house wearing as much as you need to make it work.

To get the protection you need, you must apply a teaspoon of sunscreen to your face alone. Measure out a teaspoon and then scoop it into your palm so you know how much you need. Dab it on your nose, forehead, cheeks, chin and along your hairline. Rub the rest down your neck and on your ears. Pat what’s left around your eyes. If your skin is sensitive around the eyes, use an eye cream with SPF and be sure to wear UVA/UVB sunglasses.

You need a shot glass full of sunscreen to adequately protect your body. Buy a fun one and keep it with your sunscreen. Dip into it and coat your naked body from neck to feet. Be sure to use it all. Don’t miss your underarms, behind your knees, the back of your neck and ears and the bottom of your feet.

If you don’t allow time for sunscreen to dry completely, you’re defeating its effectiveness. Thirty minutes is really the length of time you need to be fully protected. Don’t put on any makeup, body spray or other lotions during that 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, apply more to the most exposed areas like your face, shoulders, ears, neck and chest. Be sure to carry a continuous spray sunscreen in your bag and reapply every 2 hours while you’re outdoors or every 30 minutes while you’re in the water, whether you feel like you need it or not. The continuous spray will help you with hard-to-reach areas like your back.

See? Not so bad. And the result is that your skin is protected and you’re free to enjoy a worry-free summer just like when you were a kid.

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