Think you know all about protecting your skin from the sun?

Not so fast.

Take this true-or-false quiz. With the summer sun just weeks away, here’s a refresher course:

True or false?

1. SPF refers to a product’s ability to protect against UVA and UVB rays.

2. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new compound that protects against UVA light.

3. Texas has the highest rate of melanoma cases in the U.S.

4. Helioplex is a new ingestible form of sun protection.

5. More than 90 percent of skin cancer is preventable.

The answers

1. False. The sun protection factor applies only to UVB rays.

2. True. Most sunscreens in the U.S. have traditionally mainly blocked UVB waves. Last year, the FDA approved a new organic sunscreen compound called ecamsule. Also known as Mexoryl SX, the compound had been available in Europe and Canada since 1993 and is considered by many to be a better sunscreen because it blocks wrinkle-causing UVA waves.

3. False. Texas has the third-highest rate of melanoma cases in the U.S., after California and Florida.

4. False. Helioplex is a form of sunscreen protection trademarked by Neutrogena. According to the company, Helioplex contains two sunscreens (avobenzone and oxybenzone) that protect from UVA and UVB rays.

5. True. More than 90 percent of all skin cancer is preventable because it is caused by excessive exposure to the sun, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Wrinkle-fighting sunscreen

All the buzz this year is about new ways to block wrinkle-causing UVA rays.

Last summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new compound called ecamsule for use in sunscreens sold in this country. Ecamsule, an organic filter that protects against UVA rays, has been included in sunscreens sold in Canada and Europe since 1993 under the name of Mexoryl SX.

Right now, the only over-the-counter product sold in the United States that uses ecamsule is L’Oreal’s Anthelios SX. The sunscreen, which has an SPF of 15, also contains two other protective ingredients, avobenzone and octocrylene. Researchers say ecamsule offers longer protection and is better at absorbing UVA rays than anything else available. Anthelios SX is available at www.anthelios.com/product.html. A 3.4-ounce tube of the daily moisturizing cream sells for $29.

Another ingredient to watch for is Helioplex, a Neutrogena-patented stabilized form of avobenzone (Parsol1789), the most widely used ingredient for blocking UVA rays. Helioplex breaks down slower than regular avobenzone so it offers longer protection. Neutrogena patented Helioplex for use in many of its sun-protection products but says the most popular is its new Fresh Cooling Sunblock Gel, which protects with SPF 30 against a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB rays. It is available at Target and other stores for $8.99.

Skin cancer stats

¢ Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of all cancers in the United States

¢ In 2007, skin cancer will be diagnosed in more than 1 million people in this country

¢ Almost 60,000 Americans will be told they have malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer

¢ About 26,000 Americans will die of melanoma this year

Source: American Cancer Society

Monitor your moles

The American Cancer Society urges consumers to learn the A, B, C, D and E’s of moles and melanoma so you can alert your doctor to any of the key warning signs as soon as you detect one:

A-Asymmetry: Early melanomas are usually asymmetrical (a line through the middle would not create matching halves). Common moles are round and symmetrical.

B-Border irregularity: Borders of early melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles have smoother, more even edges.

C-Color variability: Common moles are usually one shade of brown. Various shades of brown, tan or black are often the first sign of melanoma. As melanoma progresses, shades of red and blue may appear.

D-Diameter: Early melanomas tend to grow larger than common moles, generally to at least the size of a pencil eraser.

E-Evolving: Any significant change in size, shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness), surface (crusting, bleeding), or shades of color should be considered suspicious.

Tips for skin cancer prevention

Melanoma risk factors include light skin color, family history of skin cancer, atypical moles and freckles, and a history of severe sunburn occurring early in life. The American Academy of Dermatology, National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following tips for safer skin:

¢ Seek the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

¢ Do not burn.

¢ Don’t forget the SPF lip balm.

¢ Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Look for one that blocks UVA and UVB rays.

¢ Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen, 30 minutes before going outside. Re-apply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

¢ Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.