The correct answer is true.

Many people think it's OK to get a sunburn now and then, but studies show that even occasional exposure to strong sunlight seems to increase the risk of the most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma.

The correct answer is false.

It's not smart to broil in the sun for several hours, even if you are wearing sunscreen. These products don't provide total protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The American Cancer Society recommends that people seek shade and limit time in the sun at midday. Also, cover up with a shirt, wear a wide-brimmed hat, use a sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher, and reapply it about every 2 hours. And don't forget sunglasses for eye protection.

The correct answer is false.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) describes how long a product will protect your skin, if you apply the sunscreen correctly. Fair-skinned people begin to burn in about 15 minutes on a sunny day, so wearing an SPF 15 sunscreen (if applied and reapplied properly) would prevent sunburn for about 225 minutes (15 SPF x 15 minutes until sun burn= 225), or 3 hours and 45 minutes.

The SPF 30 sunscreen should last for 450 minutes (30 x 15 = 450), or 7 hours and 30 minutes. In practical use, you'll need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. Be sure to choose a broad spectrum product that blocks UVB and UVA light and use a lot.

The correct answer is false.

UV rays easily go through a white cotton T-shirt, especially if it's wet. Your children will get only about as much protection as an SPF 4 sunscreen—certainly not enough for all day and well below the minimum of SPF 15 recommended by the ACS. Better clothing choices include dark colors, fabrics with tight weaves, and specially treated garments and bathing suits. Sun-protective clothing is often found at sporting goods stores. Another good choice is moving into the shade.

For babies younger than 6 months, shade, sun-protective clothing, and hats are best. As a last resort, pediatricians now say that very small amounts of sunscreen can be used on small areas, such as the face and back of the hands.

The correct answer is all of the above.

For best results, most sunscreens need to be reapplied about every 2 hours or sooner, but be sure to check the label. Sunscreens labeled "water resistant" are made to protect you when swimming or sweating, but may only last for 40 minutes. Also, remember that sunscreen usually rubs off when you towel dry.

The correct answer is false.

Our experts say a "base tan" gives you very little protection against sunburn. And that goes for indoor tans, too, which provide a sun protective factor of about 4, much less than most sunscreens. A base tan may, if fact, increase the chance you'll get a burn, because you're likely to stay out longer without properly protecting your skin.

Also, tanning itself injures the skin. What you don't see is UV damage to deeper layers, where it builds-up from every tan and burn you've ever had. There really is no such thing as a "safe tan."

The correct answer is using too little and waiting too long to reapply.

About 1 ounce of sunscreen (a 'palmful') should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and face of the average adult. For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Products labeled "waterproof" may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you are swimming or sweating. Products that are "water resistant" may provide protection for only 40 minutes.

To be safe use a lot of sunscreen and use it often.

The correct answer is move to the shade. While all 3 actions help, getting out of the mid-day sun is the best choice in this situation. Seeking shade is a key element in preventing skin cancer, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The sundress blocks very little UV radiation because it's made of cotton. It compares to a sunscreen rated SPF 4. Covering up is the right idea, but dark colors, tight weaves, and clothing labeled at least UPF 30 work better. Sunscreen should not be used to extend your time in intense sunlight. It's an important part of a larger strategy that the American Cancer Society recommends to protect your skin, but it does not provide total protection. To get the most from sunscreen, choose products of SPF 15 or higher that block both UVA and UVB rays, reapply at least every 2 hours, and use at least 1 ounce or a palmful for an adult.