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Skin Care Tips - Pack These 4 Simple Items For Your Outside BBQ

By Jen Adkins, About.com

An afternoon on the deck with friends, family and drinks sounds perfect, but don't forget to think ahead so your skin is protected. You don't want to spend the next few days regretting the fact that you didn't take time to get prepared.

1. Sunscreen

You'll want a minimum SPF 15. You should always apply sun screen 15-20 minutes before you go in the sun, so apply before you leave and you'll be protected when you get there. Pack it in your hand bag; you'll need to apply every 1 1/2 hours or so throughout the day. It only takes one sunburn to increase your melanoma risk, not to mention pain, swelling and a horrible few days afterwards. Be smart; keep applying.

2. Summer Hat

Men luck out with being able to wear a baseball cap wherever they go. They don't have to do their hair and they are protecting their face against the sun. Don't worry ladies, there are so many summer hats for women that look stylish while protecting your skin. Follow the trend of some celebrities and get a funky summer cowboy hat.

3. Sunglasses

Optometrists all over are pleased as can be with the oversized sun glasses trend. And if you're worried at all about fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, you will be too. If you haven't broken into the big glasses trend yet, it's time. Make sure there is UV protection, and be proud of your half-face glasses. By having sun protection all around your eyes, you'll be squinting less. (Squinting causes wrinkles.)

4. Drink Water

It might be tempting to go from margaritas to mojitos, but if you do, you'll not only feel dehydrated tomorrow, so will your skin. That will cause uneven skin tone and more visible fine lines. Hydrate your body with water as often as possible to combat dehydration.

5. Lip Care with SPF

You're protecting your skin, don't forget your lips. They are more susceptible to sunburn than the rest of your skin. Ditch your lip balm if it doesn't have any sun protection and grab one with SPF that you can use all summer long.

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