Sunscreen types

There are two main types of sunscreen, and each protects the skin in different ways.

• Chemical sunscreens, the subject of the FDA study, absorb the sun’s harmful rays, acting like a sponge. On the labels of these sunscreens you’ll see such active ingredients as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate.
• Physical (or mineral) sunscreens block and reflect the sun’s harmful rays, acting like a shield. On the labels of these sunscreens, you’ll find titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, or both, listed as the active ingredients. These sunscreens may leave a visible white coating when applied to the skin.