Test Your Sun Smarts
How much do you know about protecting your skin from the sun? Test your sun-safety know-how.
Who doesn’t love sunshine? From its warming rays to its psychological healing benefits, the sun just makes you feel good. But, obviously, it’s not good for your skin.
How smart are you about what to do and what to wear when you're out in the sun? Take our quiz and find out! It's all part of our Summer Survival Guide, offering everything you need to know when the heat is on and the sun is out.
1. If I wear sunscreen I can stay in the sun for as long as I want. True or false?
2. Which of the following are photosensitizing drugs?
A. cyclosporine (Neoral)
B. diclofenac (Voltaren)
C. diflunisal (Dolobid)
D. ipuprofen (Motrin)
E. ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail)
F. methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
G. naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
H. piroxicam (Feldene)
I. all of the above
3. Getting a base tan at an indoor tanning salon will help prevent sunburn later.
4. Wearing a long-sleeve shirt in the sun provides ample protection for my upper body. True or false?
5. Fluorescent lights, such as those in my office, can also be harmful.
True or false?
ANSWERS
1. False. Sunscreen lets you stay in the sun longer, but you still have to reapply it every two hours or even more frequently if you're swimming or perspiring heavily. Ideally, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreens should be waterproof and have an SPF of 15 or higher.
2. All of the above. Those drugs increase your sensitivity to light resulting in severe sunburn-like symptoms or an allergic reaction. When taking any of those medications, apply sunscreen liberally and wear protective clothing.
3. False. A base tan provides only about an SPF 4 against sunburn. And, in any case, exposure to the radiation produced during indoor tanning is similar to being in the sun without protection. It's just not good for you.
4. False. A white shirt only has an SPF of about 7. A general rule: the lighter the clothing the lower the SPF. Swimming in regular clothing further decreases the fibers SPF. Wearing sunscreen and SPF clothing helps minimize exposure during any season.
5. True. People who are highly photosensitive may have adverse reactions to fluorescent lighting.
Read more: Now that you're sun-smart, be prepared with the best (and hippest) sandals and shades.
