30-07-2025
Think You Know Sunscreen? Take Our Quiz.
Beach days and barbecues. Picnics and outdoor concerts. It's summer, and you can't forget about sun safety.
Sunscreen is usually the first line of defense, but people might not be as protected as they assume. Think you're an S.P.F. savant?
Take our quiz to find out.
1 of 10
You're at the drugstore to buy sunscreen. You know S.P.F. stands for sun protection factor, but what exactly does that mean?
It's the number of minutes you can stay in the sun before you should reapply.
It's a measure of the total ultraviolet radiation blocked by sunscreen.
It's a measure of the UVB radiation blocked by sunscreen.
S.P.F. is a marketing term, and it doesn't mean all that much.
2 of 10
You're trying to decide between mineral or chemical sunscreen. Which of these statements is true?
Chemical sunscreens are outdated and are no longer recommended by dermatologists.
Mineral sunscreens take 15 to 20 minutes to start working, while chemical sunscreens work instantly.
Chemical sunscreens tend to feel lighter on the skin, while mineral sunscreens are better for sensitive skin.
Mineral sunscreens don't expire, while chemical sunscreens do.
3 of 10
You decide to buy mineral sunscreen. What's the best way to avoid that ghostly white cast?
There's nothing you can do. An oxidation reaction with your skin turns the sunscreen white.
Just wait 15 to 20 minutes after applying. Once the minerals settle in, the white cast will disappear.
Only use a small amount and rub the sunscreen in well.
Look for a sheer or tinted formula.
4 of 10
While waiting to check out, you remember hearing about trendy Korean sunscreens. Why aren't international sunscreens easily available in the United States?
The United States regulates all sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs, which makes it difficult to bring new formulas to market.
The United States regulates them as prescription drugs, so you need a doctor to prescribe you Korean sunscreen.
Major retailers in the United States refuse to carry imported sunscreens because of tariffs.
The United States has found their formulas to be unsafe.
5 of 10
You're finally at the beach! But a sea gull swoops in and steals your sunscreen. How much protection are you getting from your white T-shirt?
Around S.P.F. 20.
Around S.P.F. 10.
None at all.
It depends on whether it's wet or not.
6 of 10
Your sunscreen is gone, and your T-shirt is a bust. Do you really need to wear sunscreen if you don't burn easily?
No. Darker skin, or even a base tan, provides great protection.
Yes. UV rays are risky for all skin tones, even if you don't feel a sunburn.
No. UV rays only damage your skin if you actually burn.
Yes. But you only need a very low S.P.F., since the risk is minimal.
7 of 10
Thankfully, your friend offers you some spray sunscreen. What is the right way to apply it?
Spray a light mist close to your skin and let it air dry.
Spray until your skin glistens and then rub it in thoroughly.
Spray it onto your face with your eyes closed.
Spray it into the air and walk through the cloud.
8 of 10
Before a swim, you apply sunscreen labeled 'water-resistant (40 minutes).' What does this actually mean?
It protects you for up to 40 minutes in water, but you should still reapply if you towel off.
You get more protection when swimming and sweating, but look at the S.P.F. rating to determine when to reapply.
Nothing. Water-resistant sunscreens don't really work.
It's a good sunscreen if you're going swimming, but it's not for everyday use.
9 of 10
You pause in front of a mirror after a long day at the beach. Which of these are signs of sun damage?
Tan.
Freckles.
Wrinkles.
All of the above.
10 of 10
You finally decide to start wearing sunscreen every day. Can you rely on moisturizer or foundation labeled S.P.F. 30?
No. You still need a dedicated sunscreen.
Yes. S.P.F. is S.P.F.
No. You need moisturizer or makeup with higher S.P.F.
Yes. As long as you reapply every two hours.
