Originally Published July 23, 2013  Summer is here with a host of enjoyable outdoor activities. If you 
are slathering on a sunscreen as part of the summer activity ritual you have taken a step in the right direction. But to what extent have you researched your sunscreen choice? The thought process should involve more than just choosing what is on sale at the local supermarket. And it certainly is not a wise choice to avoid sunscreen use. Take this quiz to see if you are armed with accurate information to have made a good sunscreen use decision.
Choose the best one answer for each question:
1. What is being referenced when speaking of harmful rays of the sun?
(a) UVB rays
(b) UVA rays
(c) both UVA and UVB rays
(d) UVC rays
2. What sunscreen provides the most protection?
(a) one with a high SPF
(b) one with a high PABA
(c) one with a low SPF
(d) one with a low PABA
3. When selecting a sunscreen which contained ingredient should you avoid?
(a) zinc oxide
(b) titanium dioxide
(c) castor seed oil
(d) para-aminobenzoic acid
4. What consideration should be given to tanning skin?
(a) it is always unhealthy and should be avoided
(b) is only safe for darker skin
(c) it is a healthy indication skin is synthesizing vitamin D
(d) doesn’t matter one way or the other
5. When is sunscreen recommended for use?
(a) for everyone 6 months and older
(b) only for older people
(c) only for children
(d) not really recommended
6. What considerations are given to chemicals found in non-organic, non-natural sunscreen?
(a) they are perfectly safe for human use
(b) they are of no environmental concern
(c) they are easily biodegradable
(d) they are easily absorbed through the skin causing a health concern
7. When is the only time sunscreen is needed?
(a) on extremely sunny days
(b) when outside for an extended period of time
(c) when at the beach
(d) only during summer months
8. When using a sunscreen how often does it need to be applied?
(a) every 12 hours
(b) every 2 hours
(c) every 6 hours
(d) every 24 hours
Check your answers:
If you chose answer (c) for Question #1 and Question #4 you are correct! Give yourself 1 point for each correct answer.  When referring to harmful sunrays, we are speaking of both UVA and UVB rays. Both types of rays are damaging to our skin. Over time UVA rays cause early aging by affecting our skin’s collagen. UVB rays affect the skin’s pigmentation with burning, freckles or spots. Both can cause skin cancer. It is important to use a broad spectrum sunscreen as this protects against both types of rays. When properly protected skin develops a healthy tan that is an indication the skin is absorbing vitamin D. Using an organic or all natural sunscreen is the best way to tan.
The answer to Question #2 and to Question #5 is choice (a) and earns you another point for each answer that was correct!  SPF is the ‘sun protection factor’ and refers to the amount of protection the sunscreen is providing against UVB rays. The higher the SPF the more protection that sunscreen provides. An SPF15 is the lowest protection recommended. It is recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older use sunscreen.
Give yourself another point each if you chose answer (d) for Question #3 and Question #6. Â Para-aminobenzoic acid is also known as PABA. It has been found to cause skin redness, skin irritation, itching, discoloration and cancer. Non-organic or non-natural sunscreens are made with an array of chemicals that are easily absorbed through the skin causing health problems including cancer. They also find their way into lakes, streams, and oceans causing damage to the environment. Sunscreens that are considered eco-friendly use all natural ingredients that are easily biodegradable.
Pat yourself on the back if you answered (b) to Question #7 and Question #8. Take 1 point for each correct choice. Cloudy days and winter weather are not exceptions! Whenever spending a large amount of time out-of-doors a sunscreen should be applied. Allowing about 20 minutes for it to be absorbed, sunscreen needs to be applied every 2 hours or more often if swimming or perspiring.
Calculate the outcome:
If you totaled 8 points for all correct answers, you’re a superstar! Congratulations on being sunscreen healthy and earth friendly! Pass on the information to enlighten others about proper sunscreen choices.
A total of 5, 6, or 7 points show a good effort on your part but you need to increase your knowledge to make healthier and more earth savvy sunscreen use decisions.
Sadly, scores of 4Â points or below show a sunscreen selection decision not in tune with a healthy or environmentally friendly choice. Hopefully this quiz will provide some food for thought towards a sunscreen use decision better for your health and the health of the environment.
