14 things you should know about sunscreen to avoid getting burned

Rob Schumacher/USA Today Sports/Reuters

Sunscreen is one of your best defenses from getting sun damage.

Putting on sunscreen can be the worst. It's sticky, oily, and just one extra thing to think about when all you want to do is head to the beach.

Even after years of lathering up with sunscreen before heading out to the pool or the park, it can still be tricky to avoid the occasional burnt shoulders or full-body burn.

To figure out the best way to keep that from happening, we turned to Dr. Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. Here are the most important things to keep in mind to keep your skin safe this summer.