What's Your Sun Safety IQ?


Sun safety is not just for vacation. Are you sun-safe every day? Take the American Cancer Society's 9-question quiz and find out.

 

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1

I can’t get skin cancer, because my normal routine (such as work, drive to work, hobbies, and vacations) doesn’t include any outdoor activities.

true
false

The Correct Answer is false.

Dermatologists say brief sun exposures all year round can add up to major damage for people with fair skin. And some of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can even pass through windows, so driving or even sitting by a window during peak sun hours, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., can expose your skin to damaging UV rays if the sun is shining directly on you.

When added up, everyday exposures are linked to squamous cell skin cancer. Although not as dangerous as melanoma, squamous cell skin cancer is far more common and the number of cases has been going up every year.

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2

My husband should use sunscreen at football games, even though he only goes (and gets a burn!) once or twice a year.

true
false

The Correct Answer is true.

Many people think it’s OK to get a sunburn now and then, but studies show that even occasional exposure to strong sunlight increases the risk of the most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma.

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3

If I’m wearing sunscreen, I can stay in the sun as long as I want.

true
false

The Correct Answer is false.

It’s not smart to broil in the sun for several hours, even if you are wearing sunscreen. These products don’t provide total protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The American Cancer Society recommends that people seek shade and limit time in the sun at midday. Also, cover up with a shirt, wear a wide-brimmed hat, use a sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher, and reapply it at least every 2 hours. And don’t forget sunglasses for eye protection.

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4

A sunscreen labeled SPF 30 blocks twice as much UV radiation as one labeled SPF 15.

true
false

The Correct Answer is false.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) describes how long the product will protect your skin from burning if you apply the sunscreen correctly. Very light-skinned people start to burn in about 15 minutes on a sunny day, so wearing an SPF 15 sunscreen (if applied and reapplied properly) would prevent sunburn for about 225 minutes (15 SPF x 15 minutes until sun burn = 225), or 3 hours and 45 minutes.

The SPF 30 sunscreen should protect skin from burning for 450 minutes (30 x 15 = 450), or 7 hours and 30 minutes. Remember that you’ll need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or even more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Be sure to choose a broad-spectrum product that blocks UVB and UVA light, and use a lot.

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5

It’s safe to let my children stay in the pool all day if they put on a t-shirt after a couple hours and reapply sunscreen to their faces, arms, and legs.

true
false

The Correct Answer is false.

UV rays can easily go through a white cotton t-shirt, especially if it’s wet. Most wet, light-colored t-shirts only give about as much protection as an SPF 4 sunscreen -- certainly not enough for all day and well below the minimum of SPF 15 recommended by the ACS. Better clothing choices include dark colors, fabrics with tight weaves, and specially treated garments and bathing suits. Sun-protective clothing is often found at sporting goods stores. Another great choice is moving into the shade during the hottest part of the day.

For babies younger than 6 months, shade, sun-protective clothing, and hats are best. As a last resort, pediatricians say that very small amounts of sunscreen can be used on small areas, such as the face and back of the hands.

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6

How often do you need to reapply water-resistant sunscreen?

every 2 hours or sooner
after sweating or swimming
after you towel dry
all of the above

The Correct Answer is all of the above.

For best results, most sunscreens need to be reapplied about every 2 hours or sooner, but be sure to check the label. Sunscreens labeled “water resistant” are made to protect you from burning when you swim or sweat, but may only last for 40 minutes. Also, remember that sunscreen usually rubs off when you towel dry.

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7

Getting a “base tan” at an indoor tanning salon is as good way to prevent sunburn when I go to the beach later this summer.

true
false

The Correct Answer is false.

Our experts say a “base tan” gives you very little protection against sunburn. A base tan may, in fact, increase the chance you’ll get a burn, because you may choose to stay out longer without properly protecting your skin.

Also, tanning itself injures the skin. What you don’t see is UV damage to deeper layers, where it builds up from every tan and burn you’ve ever had. Do not use tanning beds and lamps. There is no such thing as a “safe tan.”

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8

What are the two most common (and painful!) sunscreen mistakes?

choosing an SPF below 15 and missing spots
using too little and waiting too long to reapply

The Correct Answer is using too little and waiting too long to reapply.

About 1 ounce of sunscreen (a palmful) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and face of the average adult. For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Products labeled “waterproof” may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you are swimming or sweating. Products that are “water resistant” may provide protection for only 40 minutes.

To be as safe as possible when in the sun, use a lot of sunscreen and use it often.

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9

Now put it all together. You applied sunscreen at 12:00 noon for an afternoon of reading beside the pool. At 2:00 p.m., which one of the following actions would best protect your skin?

slip on a long cotton sundress
move to the shade
reapply sunscreen

The Correct Answer is move to the shade.

While all 3 actions may help, getting out of the mid-day sun is the best choice in this situation. Seeking shade is a key element in preventing skin cancer, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun tends to be the hottest.

The sundress blocks very little UV radiation because it’s made of cotton. It compares to a sunscreen rated SPF 4. Covering up is the right idea, but dark colors, tight weaves, and clothing labeled at least UPF 30 work better.

Sunscreen should not be used to extend your time in intense sunlight. Sunscreen is an important part of protecting your skin, but it does not provide total protection. To get the most from sunscreen, choose products of SPF 15 or higher that block both UVA and UVB rays, reapply at least every 2 hours, and use at least 1 ounce or a palmful for an adult.

 

Visit the American Cancer Society's Sun Safety pages for more information on UV rays and how to be careful in the sun.