With the summer season in full swing and the next few weeks set to be the hottest of the year, here are seven popular sunscreen beliefs, debunked, to help you make the most of the sun without getting burned, according to a compilation by Global News.

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1-All sunscreens are the same

When buying a cream, two points should be considered: sun protection factors (SPF) and broad spectrum protection, according to information from “Global News”.

According to Health Canada’s website, broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against ultraviolet (UVA) and medium-wavelength (UVB) rays, which can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.

The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, sunscreens with an SPF of 15 provide 93% protection from the sun’s rays, while sunscreens with an SPF of 30 provide 97% protection from the sun’s rays.

2-It is not necessary to add anything when it is cloudy

This myth is one of the most popular, although it is completely wrong. UV rays can penetrate clouds, smog and fog and attack your skin, says Sunil Kalia, an associate professor in the University of British Columbia’s Department of Dermatology and Skin Sciences.

“It’s even worse in the summer because the UV rays are much stronger, even when the sky is cloudy. The UVA rays are certainly getting through,” he added to English-language media.

It’s also important to wear sunscreen when sitting by the window indoors or driving, Toronto-based beauty expert Jill Dunn told Global News.

3-You must apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure

When used correctly, sunscreen protects against the sun as soon as it is put on the skin. So you don’t have to worry about planning a few minutes before you leave the house.

4-Better more than not enough?

According to Sunil Kalia, one “teaspoon” of sunscreen is enough for your face. As with the rest of the body, the amount of cream will depend on clothing and areas of the body that are exposed to the sun.

Garments, especially those made from polyester materials, offer excellent protection from the sun.

5-We need to apply cream every two hours

Though some sunscreen bottles recommend using it every two hours, the dermatology professor says activity level has a bigger impact on how much sunscreen you put on your body.

According to him, the rule of thumb is to reapply sunscreen if you go swimming or if you sweat a lot.

6 beauty products offer the same protection as sunscreen

More and more beauty products, whether moisturizers or foundations, are stating on their labels that they contain SPF.

While it’s a positive, Jill Dunn emphasizes that she wouldn’t rely on these products for good sunscreen.

The beauty expert also warns that wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 50 and using foundation with an SPF of 30 will not result in an SPF of 80.

7-Age plays no role in sun resistance

Several factors can make a person more prone to sunburn, and according to Sunil Kalia, age is one of them.

“Young people tend to get sunburned more often. We think it might be because of her thinner skin,” he explained.

The risk of melanoma or other types of skin cancer is higher in younger people. People aged 65 and over also have an increased risk of sunburn on their skin, although they generally spend less time in the sun than younger people.