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Which Type of Sunscreen Is Best Suited to You?

Summer is upon us, and that means it is time to ensure that you are protected from the sun’s damaging UV rays with the appropriate sunscreen. There are two different types of sunscreens, and they both have advantages and disadvantages. You want to make sure that you are choosing the correct sunscreen for your situation to get the sunscreen’s full measure of protection. Take our quiz to test your knowledge so you are always protected when out in the sun.

  1. Which of the following is NOT one of the two types of sunscreens?
  1. Chemical
  2. Physical/Mineral
  3. Plant
  4. None of the above
  1. Which of the following describes how chemical sunscreens work?
  1. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays with one or more of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate.
  2. Chemical sunscreens change the chemical composition of the skin, making it unable to be burned by the sun’s damaging UV rays.
  3. Chemical sunscreens change the chemical composition of the sun’s UV rays, making them harmless.
  4. None of the above
  1. Which of the following describes how physical sunscreens work?
  1. Physical sunscreens physically remove the damage the sun’s UV rays do to your skin.
  2. Physical sunscreens work like a shield, sitting on the surface of your skin and deflecting the sun’s rays with active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
  3. Physical sunscreens activate when you are physical, mixing with sweat to protect your skin.
  4. None of the above
  1. True or false? Any sunscreen you choose should protect against both UVA rays—or aging rays that can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots—and UVB rays—or burning rays—which are the primary cause of sunburn
  2. Physical sunscreens are best for which of the following applications?
  1. If you have sensitive skin
  2. If you want a sunscreen that is more moisturizing
  3. If you do not care about having a bit of white residue on your skin.
  4. All of the above
  1. Chemical sunscreens are best for which of the following applications?
  1. When you are swimming and need a water-resistant formulation
  2. When you are playing sports or sweat a lot during the day
  3. When you want a sunscreen that absorbs quickly into the skin.
  4. All of the above
  1. True or false? There is no safe way to tan. Every time you tan, you damage your skin. As this damage builds, you speed up the aging of your skin and increase your risk for all types of skin cancer.
  2. Which of the following are features you should look for in your sunscreen, no matter whether you choose chemical or mineral sunscreen?
  1. Broad spectrum (protects from both UVA and UVB rays)
  2. Fragrance-free and paraben-free
  3. Noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores) and oil-free
  4. Has an SPF of at least 30 or greater
  5. All of the above

 

  1. True or false? Sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you from the sun’s damaging UV rays.  
  2. Which of the following are other steps you should take in addition to wearing sunscreen in order to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays?
  1. Be in the shade as often as possible
  2. Dress to protect yourself from the sun, including long sleeves, pants, and hats
  3. Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect the sun’s UV rays
  4. Get vitamin D safely and avoid tanning and tanning beds
  5. All of the above

compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH/Resources: Information provided by the American Academy of Dermatology Association and Piedmont Healthcare

 

ANSWERS

  1. C. Plant
  2. A. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin.
  3. B. Physical sunscreens work like a shield.
  4. True
  5. D. All of the above
  6. D. All of the above
  7. True
  8. E. All of the above
  9. True
  10. E. All of the above

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