SUNNY SIZE UP

Does every skin tone require SPF?

Nobody gets a free pass when it comes to sun protection: “I’m a brown-skinned man who wears more sunscreen than anybody!” Mudgil says. “It’s important for everyone to wear sunscreen — even if your skin doesn’t burn.”

Mudgil adds that “although darker-skinned folks are at a decreased risk for skin cancer,” sunscreen is a good way to protect from the kind of damage that can hinder collagen production and cause wrinkling.

Getting a subtle tan is OK, right?

“All tans are signs of ultraviolet damage on your skin, for all different skin types,” Weiser says. People who say they need a “base to develop that tan” are just furthering that dam-

age, she says. Try a tinted, broad-spectrum SPF (such as Australian GoldSprayGel

Sun screen with bronzer ,$9.99 at Walgreens.com, left) to get your glow on while preventing burns.

How often do I need to reapply?

The SPF number also doesn’t make a lick of difference for how long the protection lasts. “Probably the most important thing I tell people every day is that sunscreen only lasts two hours,” Weiser says. Failing to reapply throughout the day, even on cloudy days, can cause cumulative damage.

That’s especially important for children, who should also wear sun-protective clothing, since UV rays can cause genetic mutations in their sensitive skin.

Can my pets get sunburned?

Your pet’s ancestors may have lived exclusively outdoors, but certain breeds and skin conditions might make your dog more susceptible to sun damage. If your pooch has a thin, light coat or patchy fur growth, consider doggie shirts and maybe even sunscreen.

“Sunblock is fine for pets also, but it has to be zinc- and PABA-free because those can be toxic [to dogs] when ingested,” says Stephanie Liff of Pure Paws Veterinary Care.

Can I get skin cancer from my computer screen?

There isn’t enough scientific research out there to establish a causal link between the blue light emitted from cell phones and computer screens and skin cancer. But it can still result in collagen breakdown, photodamage and aging.

One solution is to place bluelight filters, such as Eyesafe screen covers, on devices and computer monitors, Weiser says. She also recommends using a physical sunscreen, such as Sun forgettable Total Protection Face Shield ($39 at Colorescience.com, right).

Where else should I be concerned about protecting?

The most common sunburn spots — either due to sensitivity or sunscreen neglect — are the ears, tops of hands, chest

and forehead near the hairline. “As our hair thins with age, we forget to protect this area,” says Dr. Hadley King, a dermatologist with Day Dermatology & Aesthetics on the Upper East Side. People are understandably reluctant to put gloppy sunscreen in their hair, so she recommends patting on a powder

version, such as themineral powder sun screen from BrushOnBlock

.com ($32), above.

Areas of the body that aren’t normally exposed to a lot of sun — such as the chest and legs — are particularly susceptible to melanoma. “This type of cancer accounts for less than 5 percent of skin cancers, but an overwhelming number of skincancer deaths,” says Dr. Elizabeth Hale, a dermatologist at CompleteSkinMD on the Upper East Side.

Can my lips get burned?

Many non-SPF lip products can actually attract powerful rays and “make damage worse,” says King. She recommends applying an SPF 30 balm (try Kiss My Face’s Sport Hot Spots Sunscreen stick, $8.95 at Amazon.com) before any other product. Failing to do so, King says, can cause “lips to get thinner, fine lines [and] loss of elasticity,” and put you at a higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

Should I switch to “reef-safe” sunscreens?

Chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, which are safe for humans, according to the FDA, but can be harmful to fragile coral reefs in places such as Hawaii, where lawmakers have proposed a ban on the ingredients. While chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin, their alternatives, physical sunscreens, create a barrier that tends to leave a white cast. They have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, and are not only reef-safe but “provide better coverage,” according to Weiser.

Can I get skin cancer through a window?

While it’s unlikely you’ll get sunburned looking outside from an indoor perch, there is an increased risk of skin cancer.

“UVA rays are longer wavelengths [than UVBs, which cause sunburn], and those are the ones that penetrate yearround, even through a car window or office window,” says Hale, who adds that you should also protect yourself when you fly — especially if you’re sitting by the window.

If I wear foundation with SPF in it, is that enough?

Many cosmetics contain a certain amount of SPF, but dermatologists aren’t huge fans of using these as your primary protection. “The problem is, a lot of people are applying [too] thin [a] layer,” Weiser says. Instead, apply a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen (try Supergoop!Unseen SunscreeninSPF40, $32 at Sephora.com, left) before layering on makeup.

Do I really need to put on sunscreen if it’s cloudy outside?

“You can get sunburned when there are clouds because 80 percent of UV light [makes its way] through the clouds,” Weiser says. That’s especially true when you’re on the slopes — snow nearly doubles the amount of UV lighting hitting the skin because of reflection, according to Weiser.