Sunscreen: Chemical vs Mineral
Do You Know the Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen?
There are two main types of sunscreen ingredients: mineral (physical) sunscreen filters and chemical sunscreen filters. Both help protect your skin, but they work in different ways.
What Is Mineral Sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreen acts as a shield, forming a physical barrier on the skin’s surface to block and scatter harmful UV rays. These sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the only FDA-approved mineral sunscreen ingredients. They help reflect UV rays before they penetrate the skin, making them a great option for sensitive skin prone to melasma, acne, rosacea, and other skin breakouts.
What Is Chemical Sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreen works like a sponge, absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients that absorb harmful UV rays and convert them into non-damaging heat through a chemical reaction. Common chemical sunscreen ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate.
Who Should Use Sunscreen?
Sunscreen isn’t just for summer—use it all year round! UV rays can cause skin damage even on cloudy or cold days, making daily sun protection essential.
Everyone should use sunscreen, regardless of age, gender, skin type, or skin tone. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun can cause significant damage to the skin, leading to skin cancer, premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots. UV radiation penetrates unprotected skin and causes damage at the DNA and cellular levels, resulting in these visible effects. Sunscreen helps protect against these harmful effects by blocking or absorbing UV rays. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), wearing the right sunscreen reduces the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and visible signs of aging, making it an essential part of daily skincare.
Protect your skin in every season—make sunscreen a part of your daily routine!
Talk with one of our skin experts to find the best sunscreen for your skin type!