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If you don't know sun at its worst, you don't deserve it at its best.

How Much Do You Actually Know About Summer Skin Protection?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is essentially [a measure of time](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/sunscreens.html): It tells you how long your skin will be protected after applying sunscreen. If you normally burn in 10 minutes, for example, applying SPF 15 sunscreen will factor that time by 15, allowing you to stay out for 150 minutes before burning.

Sun Protection Factor

The sun emits [three main types](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/what-is-ultraviolet-radiation.html) of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, each of which is characterized by its wavelengths, energy, and effect on the skin. Most sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays, but not UVC, since the latter is absorbed by the earth's ozone layer before reaching us. Phew!

Three (UVA, UVB, and UVC)

How many types of  
UV radiation  
does the sun emit?

The pigment that gives hair, skin, and eyes their colour is also responsible for that tan you get each summer! While it's true that increased melanin protects the skin against UV rays, the idea that a "base tan" can replace sunscreen is [dangerous myth](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-a-base-tan-can-protect-against-sunburn/).

Melanin

What is the skin  
pigment responsible  
for your tan?

The sun is [generally](http://www.cancer.ca/en/about-us/news/on/2013/may/nsunsafety/?region=on) at peak intensity between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., which means it's extra important to reapply sunscreen in between those hours.

11 a.m.–4 p.m.

What times of day  
are UV rays at  
their strongest?

The national [UV Index](https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/weather-health/uv-index-sun-safety.html) tracks the strength of the sun's UV rays on any given day. The index is considered "high" between 6 and 7, but sun protection is recommended when the index is 3 or higher. You can always find your UV index on the daily local weather forecast, but there are also apps to help you keep track!

6–7

What number  
qualifies as "high"  
on the UV index?

It's not just a pain. Individuals with a history of sunburn [are at increased risk](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/sun-safety/skin-cancer.html) for basal and squamous cell carcinoma — and in some cases, the far more virulent cancer known as melanoma.

True

True or false:  
Getting sunburnt  
puts you at higher  
risk for skin cancer.

Luckily, laying out in the sun all day won't revert you to your pubescent skin. But what it [_will_ do](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/health-effects-ultraviolet-radiation.html) is age your skin irreparably, causing wrinkling and hardening, liver spots, and loss of elasticity. Bye-bye, cute cheeks.

Acne

Which of these is  
NOT a consequence  
of long-term sun exposure?

Sweat is essential in helping the human body to regulate temperature, bringing moisture to the outside of the skin. When you get a sunburn, your body is more liable to [trap heat inside the body](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/extreme-heat-heat-waves.html), which can increase your risk of dehydration and threaten your immune system.

True or false:  
Sunburnt skin loses  
its sweating  
efficiency.  


Okay, so you're a little new to sun safety. Doesn't mean your head's in the sand! It's never too late to start learning about [smart summer skin care](http://www.garnier.ca/ombrelle).

In Need of Sun Help

You've clearly got some basic summer smarts! Study up on your SPF and UV index to keep [staying safe](http://www.garnier.ca/ombrelle) under the sun.

Pretty Bright

Congratulations! You take the sun's rays pretty seriously, and it shows — or, should we say, _doesn't show_, since you're probably [practicing good sun safety](http://www.garnier.ca/ombrelle) and avoiding burns at all costs. Keep it up!

Supremely Sun-Savvy

Images by Getty images unless otherwise noted.

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How Much Do You Actually Know About Summer Skin Protection?

Don't sacrifice a single second of summertime! Ombrelle can help you stay smart while you soak up that sunlight.

How Much Do You Actually Know About Summer Skin Protection?

Don't sacrifice a single second of summertime! Ombrelle can help you stay smart while you soak up that sunlight.

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