Summer is nearly here, and with that usually comes plenty of fun outdoor activities. If you’re among the 90 percent of US adults who don’t wear sunscreen daily , here are four reasons why you should adopt this healthy habit going forward:

The sun might not seem like much of a threat on cloudy days, but this assumption could be harmful. According to the FDA , “Even under cloud cover it is possible to damage your skin and eyes, and cause long-term damage.”

No one enjoys a sunburn, but did you know that sunburns can contribute to even more serious problems, like heat exhaustion, which can develop into heatstroke? Thankfully, heat exhaustion is completely preventable. 

The Mayo Clinic recommends “[wearing] a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and [using] a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.”

Did you know that 90 percent of skin aging is directly related to sun exposure ? Keep your skin healthy and looking great by protecting it daily with sunscreen. Let the majority of those wrinkles instead develop as smile lines from all the happy years you’ve lived!

The ultraviolet (UV) rays that come with sun exposure can damage the DNA in our cells . This damage can contribute to skin cancer development. As skin cancer is the most preventable type of cancer , making sunscreen part of your daily skin regimen is essential. 

Using sunscreen daily is important to protect your skin, even on cloudy days, from sunburn (and heat exhaustion), premature aging, and additional risks of cancer. Just a thin layer can do so much! Don’t forget the other measures that can give you added protection, like a hat, sunglasses, UPF clothing , and plenty of shade.