KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (TVC) — It is that time of the year, and the sun is shining. It is getting toasty in Knoxville. 

“I was at the beach with just my family. I stayed in the water for, like, eight hours consecutively, basically. And I didn’t reapply, so I got seasick because I was, like, in the water, and I got sunburned,” said Olivia Bingham, a junior at the University of Tennessee, who is studying advertising. 

A dermatologist at the Skin Wellness Center, Kimberly Grande, said sunburns not only happen on sunny days but on cloudy days, too. 

“One of the things that we see a lot in the springtime is people getting sunburned. That is a sign that the skin has been damaged by the sun, and those long-term can show up as skin cancer,” said Grande. 

Aesthetician and Nurse Grace Mears said 80 to 90 percent of aging comes directly from the sun. 

“Keeping sunscreen on during the day, but also when you’re not in direct sunlight, is super important. In our day to day, that’s when we’re getting the most sun exposure, so it can really age your skin but also lead to skin cancer,” said Mears. 

Experts recommend using a sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and reapplying it every two hours. 

“Minimize sun exposure, invest in your skin when you’re young because it really will come back to haunt you,” said Grande. 

Professionals recommend visiting a dermatologist at least once a year to get one’s skin checked. Here is what experts recommend for a tan look this summer: 

“There’s self-tan, there’s spray tans, there’s you know, selfless tanner drops, and those are a whole lot better for your skin,” said Mears. 

To protect the skin against the sun, wear large-brimmed hats, stand in the shade, grab an umbrella and wear some sunscreen.