Think you know all you need to know about sun safety? Test your sun IQ by answering the following true/false questions about sun exposure.

1) It’s OK to tan if you are wearing sunscreen.

False. Tanning indicates a change in your skin, so no tan is healthy or safe. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of at least 15 (30 or higher if you have a history of skin cancer). Remember you need to apply sunscreen about an hour before going out into the sun. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours (and more often if you are swimming).

2) You should wear sunscreen every day.

True. It is not always easy to do, but it is actually best to wear sunscreen every day. You should routinely use sunscreen if you will be exposed to the sun for more than 10 to 15 minutes. Driving, sitting in your office in front of a window and walking outside all expose you to the sun. Products such as moisturizer/sunscreen combos and spritzable sunscreens make daily application a little more user-friendly. And remember that sunscreen is still important in the winter or during cloudy days because the UVA/UVB rays are still there and being absorbed by your skin.

3) If you have darker skin, you have natural sun protection and don’t need to worry about skin cancer.

False. Actually, darker skin still tans, burns and is still susceptible to skin cancer. All skin types should also remember to watch for new dark spots or changes in spots on skin, and especially on palms, soles or around nails. These could be signs of melanoma skin cancer and should be checked out by a physician.

4) Sun exposure is necessary to ensure I get adequate levels of Vitamin D.

False. You only need about 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure two to three times a week on your face and hands for your body to produce a sufficient supply of Vitamin D. In addition, milk and other Vitamin D-rich foods as well as multivitamins are excellent sources of Vitamin D.

5) You should still practice safe sun habits, even if you wear sunscreen.

True. Sunscreen protects your skin, but shouldn’t be a reason for you to stay in the sun longer. Longer length of time spent outside means more overall sun exposure combined with a greater likelihood that you’re not reapplying sunscreen appropriately. Combine sunscreen with other protective gear like umbrellas or hats. And remember, the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it’s recommended that you stay out of the sun during those hours.

6) It’s safe to get a tan in a tanning bed.

False. Tanning beds use ultraviolet light, similar to the UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun. In fact, the effects of UV exposure are intensified in a tanning bed. Spending an hour in a tanning bed is easily equivalent to spending several hours outside in the sun.

7) Too much sun ages you prematurely.

True. Compare skin on your face and hands with skin on a part of your body that is not regularly exposed to the sun and see the difference. It’s another compelling reason to protect your skin from the damaging effects of sunlight.

If you answered all seven correctly, congratulations! And if you missed some answers, don’t worry. The most important test of your sun safety IQ actually comes this summer. By practicing good habits-wearing sunscreen, staying indoors during peak sun hours and wearing protective clothing-you can score big by protecting your skin and helping to prevent skin cancer.

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations --MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group Foundation.

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