Let's make a bet—if your first weekend of May includes the thrill of America's horse and history-rich springtime sports party, your plans are also likely to include unwarranted amounts of daytime sun. But not to fret, there's no need to jump hurdles to ensure that you have a healthy, successful winning streak. In fact, it just so happens that the most fashionable item of the Kentucky Derby is one of the very secrets to staying safe!

Regardless of whether you're planted on the frontlines of the derby action feeling gusts of wind as the horses bolt by, or simply celebrating in style sipping mint juleps on your front porch, there are some common precautions that any derby devotee should take to saddle up for skin safety.

Tip your hat to these these skin-savvy tactics and add them to your Kentucky Derby weekend:

• Minimize sun exposure.
• Wear SPF 15 or higher and apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before exposure to the sun. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours to ensure skin will not be burned.
• Use protective barriers such as hats, sunglasses, and clothing to block full exposure.
• Use heightened precaution if you possess any of the following traits: pale skin; blonde, red or light brown hair; if you've been previously treated for skin cancer; or if a family member has had skin cancer.

Luckily, during the Kentucky Derby—an event so vividly linked with elaborate, head-turning hats—the biggest hats are the biggest hits! Use this ‘bigger is better' style to your advantage derby weekend and use your wide-brimmed hat as a shield from the sun. Pair it with some sunglasses, appropriate clothing and sunscreen, and you're in the homestretch!