Test your Sun Safety Savvy

Summer is almost here.   That means it's time to hit the beach, breakout the barbeque and most importantly slather on that sunscreen. With summer closely approaching us,  it is important to protect our skin from the sun. How much do you really know about protecting your skin from the damaging affects of the sun? 

Let’s put it to the test. Take this quiz and see how you do.

1. The best way to protect your skin if you have to be outside on a sunny day is to:

a. Wear an SPF 15 sunscreen (or greater) and re-apply every two hours
b. Wear a hat
c. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants
d. Wear sunglasses
e. All of the above

The answer is E. It is extremely important that sunscreen gets reapplied every 2 hours. If you have to be out in the sun, seek shade periodically, wear a wide-brimmed hat to help protect your face, and cover up with a lightweight long-sleeved shirt or pants. Strong sunlight can also damage your eyes and the tender skin around them. Choose sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of ultraviolet radiation, and that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.


2. If I only get a sunburn once or twice a year, I don't need to worry about skin cancer.

True
False
True. Getting as little as 1-3 bad sunburns as a child increases your risk of getting a skin cancer in adulthood.


3. The safest way to get a good tan is:

a. Slowly, using an SPF 30 sunscreen and avoiding midday sun
b. Laying out for 30 minutes before applying sunscreen
c. A tanning booth
d. There is no risk-free way to get a tan

Answer is D. There is no such thing as a safe tan.  Going to tanning beds as little as once a month can increase your risk of skin cancer by 50%.  It is always important to wear sunscreen whenever going outside especially here in Florida. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.

4. A good application of sunscreen will last all day.

True
False

False. Sunscreen gets broken down in the sun and needs to be reapplied every two hours for maximum effectiveness


5. Which provides more protection from the sun?

a. A dark colored tee shirt
b. SPF 15 sunscreen
c. A white T-shirt
d. A wet T-shirt

Answer is A. Tightly woven, darker-colored fabrics provide more protection than sunscreen or a T-shirt. Most T-shirts, in fact, provide only about the equivalent of SPF 4 protection, and even less than that if they are wet.


6. At what age can I start putting sunscreen on my child?

a. 1 month
b. 6 months
c. 1 year
d. 5 years

Answer B. Because of the chemicals used in sunscreen lotions, most dermatologists recommend not using sunscreen on babies younger than six months old. Instead, keep your baby in the shade and use protective clothing and hats.


7. When should sunscreen be applied?

a. Right before you go outside
b. After you get your beach towel laid out and find an attractive person to do the honor
c. 30 minutes before you go outside
d. An hour after you've been out, depending on your skin type

Answer is C. For maximum protection, sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before exposure so that the chemicals in the lotion have a chance to absorb into your skin. Sunscreen works by interacting with the skin to absorb, reflect or scatter the sun's UV rays.

So how did you score?  May is National Melanoma Month. If you have not had your annual skin check now is a great time.  And remember, it's never too early to get your kids checked as well.


We hope to see you soon.


Florida Skin Center