TAKE THE QUIZ

Circle the answer you think is correct, then find out how well you did below

each question.

1

What SPF sunscreen should you use?

A At least 15

B At least 30

C Depends on your skin type

Answer: B

‘But ideally 50 on your face to protect from the photoaging effects of the sun,’ advises Dr Friedmann. The SPF protects you against UVB rays, but your sun cream should also have at least four-star UVA protection. UVA is associated with skin ageing, while UVB is associated with burning, but they can both cause skin cancer. ‘UVA and UVB rays cause changes in the skin’s DNA, leading to mutations and increasing the risk of cancer in skin cells,’ says Dr Friedmann.

2

When is the sun at its strongest?

A In the morning B 11am-3pm

C In the afternoon

Answer: B

From March to October, the sun is at its strongest in the middle of the day in the UK and the rest of the northern hemisphere, so make sure you’re inside or in the shade during these hours. And remember to wear sunglasses and cover up. ‘Generally, wearing cotton and linen clothing offers the same protection as SPF80,’ says Dr Friedmann. ‘And a big plus is that its efficacy doesn’t fade throughout the day, unlike sunscreen, which rubs off.’

3

How much sunscreen should you use for your whole body?

A Two tablespoons B Two teaspoons

C Two blobs

Answer: A

That’s if you’re covering your entire body while wearing a swimsuit. Two teaspoons is OK if you’re just covering your face, neck and arms. ‘People rarely apply enough, which can dangerously reduce your protection,’ warns Dr Friedmann. ‘Continue to apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day, every two hours, to protect your skin in the sun.’ He believes that a typical adult should be getting through 50ml of sunscreen every day during the summer (if you’re spending the majority of the day outside), whether you’re at home or abroad. Reapply if you sweat excessively or rub your skin with a towel. ‘Up to

85% of a product can be removed by towel-drying,’ warns Dr Friedmann.

4

You should see your GP if a mole changes…

A Shape B Size

C Colour

Answer: All of the above

Any change to an existing mole or the appearance of a new mole should be checked out. So too should any change to freckles or patches of skin or if a growth or lump appears on your skin. Most changes won’t be skin cancer, but if it is, it’s much easier to treat if spotted early. ‘It’s really important to get into the habit of doing a quick mole check each month,’ says Dr Friedmann. ‘Stand in front of the mirror, where you can take a look at all the skin, and thoroughly search for anything new or different.’

5

Which foods help prevent sun damage?

A Carbohydrates B Protein

C Fruit and veg

Answer: C

Certain plant compounds found in fruit and veg can help to strengthen skin cells, making them less susceptible to sun damage, and reducing your skin’s photosensitivity. ‘Vitamin C – in citrus fruits, red peppers, strawberries and kale – helps to prevent and slow sun damage, which can cause photochemical skin darkening and discolouration,’ says nutritionist Jenny Tschiesche**. ‘Vitamin A slows free-radical damage to the skin, and can be sourced from apricots, sweet potato, butternut squash, spinach and kale. Antioxidants lycopene and resveratrol are both helpful in promoting the production of melatonin and collagen, which protect and aid the recovery of sun-damaged skin.’ Good sources include papaya, watermelon, grapes and blueberries.

6

I don’t need to worry about the sun because I tan easily...

A True

B False

C Depends where you live

Answer: B

Although people who have fair skin and tend to burn rather than tan are at higher risk of skin cancer, it can still occur in anyone. Plus, the sun can be strong enough anywhere in the UK to cause damage. There’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan, and it doesn’t protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Dr Friedmann points out that as well as wrinkles, UV damage can also cause the skin to develop uneven pigmentation and hyperpigmentation, commonly called age spots. Sun exposure may also trigger melasma – mottled darkening of the skin on the face.