In the age of bikinis and tanning, sun protection is often underrated and underutilized, especially by young adults. But, skin cancer and damage caused by over exposure to the sun can be extremely harmful and potentially life threatening.

I am the palest of the pale, fair skinned, with a history of skin cancer in my family. Sun protection is extremely important to me, but I also love the outdoors.

Good 'ole Vitamin D is critical and it would be a shame to completely avoid outdoor activities for fear of sunburn and skin cancer. However, there are ways to get the best of both worlds! Soak up the sun, but protect yourself! Here are a few tips to help you get started.

1. WEAR SUNBLOCK.

Yes it is goopy, and messy, and expensive, and it limits your fab summer tan. BUT it is so important. By using a lotion sunscreen for your shoulders, face, and other sensitive areas, you will save yourself loads of trouble (and sunspots!) down the road. Avoid the chemicals in spray sunscreen, and stick to lotion or roll-on. I suggest using SPF 30 or so. Any more than SPF 50 (in my non-doctoral opinion) is fairly unnecessary.

2. Wear a hat.

This might also sound lame, but hats can be adorable. Grab yourself a cute sunhat, a ball cap, or whatever your favorite is when you know you're going to be in the sun for long periods of time (i.e. at the beach/pool/lake, at a sporting event, or participating in outdoor recreation). This protects your face, scalp and neck from the harsh rays of the sun.

3. Wear lose, cool clothing instead of tight fitting, skin-bearing clothing.

More than just for the sake of modesty, by wearing a linen dress, pants, or a peasant top, you are going to protect your skin a lot more than if you're wearing shorts and tank tops. Grab a pair of cute espadrilles instead of flip-flops, and you'll still be looking stylish, I promise.

4. Consider getting swimwear that covers.

While it may not always be the most fashionable choice (unfortunately), wearing a one piece can protect your skin a little more than a teeny-bikini. If you have really fair skin, consider getting a rash guard style top. And don't you scoff. If J. Crew sells them they must be at least a somewhat fashionable choice. At the very least, when you aren't in the water, throw on a sundress or cover-up!

5. Go easy on your time in the sun.

Staying inside all winter and then hitting a cruise to the Bahamas in June may not be your best idea. Start out easing your way into the sunshine. Spend an hour or so a day at first getting some Vitamin D before diving into harsh tropical sun exposure. While you're outside, make sure to take a break. Catch some shade under an umbrella or tree every so often.

6. If you MUST tan, do it outside, or spray tan.

Tanning beds really aren't worth the hype, y'all. If you love the way you look when you're all tanned up, treat yourself to a spray tan, or do it gradually outdoors. The tanning bed can be addicting and it is so damaging to your beautiful skin!

7. Embrace it: pale is the new tan.

Do you know what is beautiful? Dark skin. You know what else is beautiful? Fair skin. If you tan like a tomato (#noshame), it's perfectly acceptable to embrace your fair skin. Show off those freckles, sister!

As the weather warms up, remember to protect yourself. Your future self will thank your past self for taking care of you!