Summers in Asia can be an eye -opening experience. And no I’m not talking about people baring all and showing off their assets. It’s more the fact that come summer, Asians have two very different takes on what they should be doing. You’ll see the girls with the super tanned skin either from fake tanners or vacations in exotic locales, or the girls who are pearly white and maintaining that porcelain skin regardless of the 39ºC glaring sun outside the window. Regardless of which stance you take, it’s important to make sure you are protected from those nasty UVA (aging rays) and UVB (sunburn rays). Here are some common myths debunked.

1. If it’s cloudy, you don’t need sunscreen. Actually, clouds don’t block the UV rays that cause sunburn, so you can still get a sunburn when it is cloudy outside. Since UV rays can be reflected off water, sand, snow, and concrete, you can even get a sunburn in the shade.

2. Stored bottles of sunscreen last forever. Sunscreen loses effectiveness after one year, and is mostly ineffective after three years. So check the expiration date on your sunscreen. And if there’s none, then it’s better to toss those leftover sunscreen.

3. The higher the SPF level, the better the protection A sunscreen’s SPF, or sun protection factor, measures how much the product shields UVB radiation. The difference in UVB protection between an SPF 100 and SPF 50 is marginal. You don’t get that much more coverage if you double the SPF number. SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98 percent and SPF 30 holds off 96.7 percent.

4. A dollop of sun protection will last me the day. Rather than worrying over the SPF number factor, focus on how much you put on. To get the SPF advertised, you must use an ounce on your body equivalent to one full shot glass of sun protection. You also need to regularly reapply sun protection, ideally once every two hours.

5. Sunblocks and sunscreens are the same thing. While these terms are used interchangeably, sunblock and sunscreen actually protect you in different ways. Sunscreens absorb the UV radiation and works by reducing the amount of radiation that penetrates the skin. Sunblocks physically block UV radiation and tends to be thicker, whiter and more greasy. So when to use which? Sunscreens are ideal for daily usage while sunblocks are recommended for the beach, watersports and intense outdoor activities. With so many products out there, it’s easy to get confused which is the best. It’s good to keep in mind that when it comes to sun protection products, the most important element is not in the product but rather how you use the goods. So remember to apply liberally and frequently. If you’re still at a loss, read on for some suggestions.

Laneige’s Homme Sun BB Lotion is a good one for the guys. It’s not too greasy and has a slight concealing factor.	Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++. One of the first high SPF factor sunscreens out in the market, Anessa products might be a bit on the greasy side if you already sport oily skin but for combination and dry skin, this sunscreen is a gem.
Guerlain Perfect White C Brightening Daily Emulsion SPF15. The light liquid formula makes for easy application without leaving a greasy sensation. Available at Guerlain counters.	Bioderma Photoderm MAX Cream SPF100. It applies smoothly and after multiple instances of reapplication, the skin still doesn’t feel blocked and greasy. Available at Mannings.