For these residing above the equator, summer time is in full swing and meaning numerous solar — and the potential for solar harm. So if we wish to keep secure, and hold our pores and skin trying nice, we clearly want to guard it — however utilizing what? And the way a lot? And the way typically?These are just some of the numerous questions that we — Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson, the hosts of HuffPost’s “Am I Doing It Mistaken?” podcast ― had for Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist and surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Most cancers Middle, when he dropped by our recording studio.Hearken to the complete episode by urgent “play” beneath:Rossi, who has labored with 1000’s of pores and skin most cancers sufferers, famous that the majority of us know we have to defend our pores and skin, however we’re befuddled by the entire misinformation and myths (particularly on social media) about how and when to do it. To assist clear up a number of the confusion, he shared 9 issues that he would by no means do in terms of SPF, sunscreen and solar safety.1. Believing That An SPF Quantity Signifies How Lengthy You Can Be Exterior“SPF” stands for “solar safety issue,” and an SPF quantity signifies the safety degree {that a} topical product gives in contrast with carrying no sunscreen — not the variety of minutes you possibly can spend within the solar whereas carrying it.“We are saying SPF 30 or above is just about good for solar safety for all folks as a result of at that time of the SPF curve, at 30, it just about ranges off,” Rossi mentioned. “So, an SPF 50 gained’t provide you with that rather more safety [than an SPF 30].”2. Selecting A Sunscreen That Doesn’t Supply ‘Broad-Spectrum Safety’You need a sunscreen that gives “broad-spectrum” safety as a result of it guards towards two kinds of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB.“UVB causes burns and UVA contributes to ageing, so we are saying ‘A for ageing, B for burn’ — that’s how we keep in mind for our exams,” Rossi joked. “Collectively, they will each trigger pores and skin harm. That’s why you wish to discover a broad-spectrum sunscreen that covers each UVB and UVA.”3. Relying On The SPF In Make-up For ProtectionMost make-up merchandise don’t comprise a excessive sufficient SPF to maintain you absolutely shielded from the solar, and also you additionally won’t be carrying sufficient of it for that objective.“I at all times inform folks, put your good sunscreen on first, let it dry after which go to city with all of your mineral makeups,” Rossi mentioned. “That’s simply bonus.”4. Utilizing Sunscreen Sprays Incorrectly Or Inadequately“The best way sunscreen is developed, you actually need skinny coat of it throughout,” Rossi mentioned.“That’s why we desire the lotions and the lotions or the emulsions. However sprays are actually standard as a result of they’re handy. … It does work in the event you get it on the pores and skin. If you happen to simply sprayed within the air and also you stroll via it, that’s not efficient. However in the event you’re truly spraying it in your pores and skin and also you’re coating your entire pores and skin, you’re getting good protection. However it’s essential to be diligent about it.”5. Not Utilizing Sufficient Sunscreen (And It’s In all probability Extra Than You Suppose)“For the physique, we are saying a shot glass’s value [of sunscreen],” Rossi mentioned.For the face and neck, Rossi recommended utilizing two fingers’ value of sunscreen — throughout the size of the fingers, not simply the guidelines. “Perhaps three, relying on how huge your head is,” he added.6. Solely Sporting Sunscreen On Sunny Summer time Days“I inform all my sufferers, ‘You don’t need to be sun-phobic; it’s important to be sun-smart,’” Rossi mentioned. “Simply entering into the each day behavior of placing on a sunscreen goes to be actually useful for you — even within the winter [and on cloudy days] as a result of UVA truly penetrates via clouds. So that you most likely are nonetheless getting UVA publicity as properly.”7. Solely Sporting Sunscreen When Exterior“Persons are like, ‘Oh, I’m in an workplace, so I don’t need to even put on sunscreen.’ If you happen to’re sitting by a window day-after-day, UVA does penetrate window glass,” Rossi mentioned.“There’s a very well-known New England Journal of Medication article that confirmed a truck driver that sat subsequent to a window, you already know, driving their truck, and it’s only one facet of the face is totally wrinkled. The opposite facet of the face will not be, and it’s so drastic. That alone scares folks to put on sunscreen.”8. Believing A Base Tan Will Defend The Pores and skin From Injury“There’s no such factor as a secure tan, and one of many greatest misconceptions that now we have to combat on TikTok and simply in most people is this concept of a base tan,” Rossi mentioned.“[It’s the notion that] you get one dangerous burn to start out the summer time and then you definitely’re arrange for the remainder of the summer time, however the truth is … it’s horrible. It makes me cringe. Particularly in the event you go to a tanning salon [to get a base tan], these UV bulbs within the within the tanning beds are primarily UVA bulbs. To allow them to nonetheless burn you as a result of it’s such an intense quantity of vitality and photons tremendous near you in [a] actually quick period of time.”Rossi defined that UVA rays result in an “fast pigment darkening,” which is what you see after you tan.“You’re like, ‘Oh, I obtained this base tan — superior!’ And also you do get this darkening, so that you suppose you’re protected,” he mentioned. “However truly that melanin doesn’t do a fantastic job of defending you towards UVB. So you find yourself burning while you go exterior.”9. Forgetting To Defend Your Eyes“Sun shades are actually vital,” Rossi mentioned. “Not solely do they defend the pores and skin round your eyes, however they defend your precise cornea from solar harm — cataracts, as an illustration, [can be caused by] UV publicity.”Rossi shared tons extra with us, together with the distinction between chemical and bodily sunscreens, how lengthy you actually need to use solar safety merchandise earlier than you head exterior, and what to know earlier than you employ a self-tanner.Hearken to the complete episode above or wherever you get your podcasts.For extra from Rossi, together with data about his skincare line, go to his web site and observe him on Instagram.Want some assist with one thing you’ve been doing unsuitable? Electronic mail us at AmIDoingItWrong@HuffPost.com, and we’d examine the subject in an upcoming episode.