by Samantha Pozza, NP
EVERYONE KNOWS they need to apply sunscreen to protect their skin from UV rays, but did you know that the type of product used can make a huge difference in the overall health of your skin? Read on for a crash course in all things SPF.
What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
What’s best for your FACE?
It is imperative that you know all sunscreens are NOT created equal.
There are two main types: MINERAL and CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE— both work very differently.
Metallic sunscreen also known as Natural Sunscreen contains ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are small particles that sit on the surface of the skin and NATURALLY protect UV rays from penetrating the skin.
Chemical sunscreens on the other hand, it will allow UV light to enter the skin. The light is absorbed by the skin and the chemicals in the sunscreen (ingredients typically include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octoacetate) create a chemical reaction that causes the UV radiation to be converted to heat, and the heat is then dissipated by the skin .
Cons of Chemical Sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens can cause skin reactions in some people, especially those with more sensitive, inflamed and allergy-prone, acne-prone skin, and can worsen rosacea and melasma. Melasma is a condition that causes hyperpigmentation/brown spots on the face that can be very difficult to treat because they are usually caused by hormones, genetics, medications, etc. The heat dissipation of chemical sunscreens can worsen melasma.
Benefits of mineral sunscreen: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are actually the only sunscreen ingredients generally recognized as safe and effective by the FDA.
So when you use sunscreen every day, MINERAL sunscreen is much safer for people who are concerned about long-term exposure to chemical ingredients or who have sensitive, reactive skin. And unlike chemical sunscreens that can take about 20-30 minutes to absorb into the skin, mineral sunscreens offer INSTANT protection with no waiting.
Conclusion: MINERAL sunscreen is best, but whether it’s chemical or mineral—something is better than nothing!
In our practice, the clear favorite Mineral sunscreens are SkinBetter’s Smarttone SPF 75their Tinted Compact Mineral SPF, and SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense SPF. (All available through our online store.)
