Sunscreen is one of the necessities of summer, even though it might be a hassle to apply and reapply—you should be reapplying every two hours in the sun, even though studies found that only 33% of people do so.

Besides applying sunscreen regularly, there are also misconceptions about sunscreen that people have picked up over the years. With the help of the American Academy of Dermatology, Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four sunscreen myths that will be debunked.

MYTH #1: You Don’t Have to Reapply Higher SPF Sunscreen as Often

SPF, or sun protection factor, has to do with how well the sunscreen protects your skin, not how long it lasts. You need to reapply every two hours regardless of the SPF.

MYTH #2: Car Windows Block the Sun’s UV Rays

Windshields usually contain some UV protection due to being laminated glass, but rear and side windows typically do not. In fact, research found that nearly three out of every four patients with melanoma had the tumors on their left side, which can be attributed to driving. If you’re driving for more than five or 10 minutes at a time during the summer, you should wear sunscreen or a long-sleeve shirt.

MYTH #3: Sunscreen Keeps Your Body From Absorbing Vitamin D

Sunscreen doesn’t affect the way your body absorbs vitamin D from the sun, but dieticians suggest that you get plenty of vitamin D from food sources or even a supplement as well.

MYTH #4: Sunscreen is More Important for Kids Than Adults

If children are exposed to repeated sunburns, it can increase their skin cancer risk in adulthood, but skin cancer can develop just as easily in adults—especially so if you didn’t wear sunscreen a lot as a child. The bottom line is that sunscreen is equally important at any age.

To learn more about Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://schenectady-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.