Should You Be Using Mineral Or Chemical Sunscreen? Does It Matter?

Do you know the difference between a chemical sunscreen and a mineral one? It may not seem like it matters, but there are some things to consider if you’re using either. Chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin and work by blocking UV rays from reaching your skin. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which reflect the sunlight away from your body. The downside of chemical sunscreens is that they can’t protect against UVA rays as well as some minerals do, so make sure to read labels carefully before making a purchase! Chemical or mineral sunscreen – what’s the difference?

Mineral Sunscreens

Physical sunscreens are physical blockbusters. They contain active chemicals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as a barrier and reflect light away from your skin – perfect for sensitive or acne-prone types! The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that if you have either of these conditions to use mineral sunscreen instead; it’s more gentle on delicate features than chemical ones can be.

PROS And CONS Of Using Mineral Sunscreens

Physical sunscreens are more noticeable than chemical ones because they’re thicker and whiter. This ensures that sensitive regions like the face stay protected from UV rays while also maintaining higher levels of protection overall with physical filters as opposed to those made from chemicals, which can irritate delicate skin types in some cases especially if you have eczema. Some disadvantages of using a mineral sunscreen include:

• Physical sunscreens are often thicker and heavier on the skin than chemical ones.
• For those with oily or acne-prone features, this can make a physical product less effective as they may not absorb quickly enough into your system to offer protection from UVA rays which account for up to 98% of all harmful light waves entering our body’s tissues!
• Mineral sunscreens generally provide only limited amounts of UVB protection but even these minimal measures will still help block some shorter wavelength range or invisible wavelengths that cause aging effects such as freckles formation.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s rays, converting them to heat, and then dissipating that heat through the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology lists oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate as examples of chemical sunscreens.

PROS And CONS Of Using Chemical Sunscreens

Physical sunscreens leave a white residue on the skin while chemical ones don’t. This makes them more convenient and consumer-friendly, but they also out-perform their counterparts in tests that measure how long you can protect yourself from UV radiation before it starts burning up your cells! Chemical sunscreens, like many other products on the market today can be both a blessing and bane to those who use them. For example:

• They are effective at preventing skin cancer yet they also have potential side effects which range from mild irritation to more severe conditions such as allergies or even eczema-induced rashes!
• Some chemical sunscreens tend to seep into the bloodstream. 
• Chemical sunscreens can have harsh ingredients.

It’s important for people to know about their options before buying a certain brand. Consult your dermatologist.

Do Wearing Sunscreens Matter?

Absolutely! Wearing sunscreen is one of the most effective — and simple — methods to protect the appearance and health of your skin at any age. Sunscreen, when used on a daily basis, can help prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. Sunscreen use is a vital preventative health practice that should be continued throughout the year, especially in the winter. Snow may reflect up to 80% of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, putting you at greater risk of sun damage.

It’s an important decision to make when you’re in the store aisle. Do I want a mineral or chemical sunscreen? Does it matter? If you’ve been wondering, we can help! We have experts available today that are eager to answer all of your questions and get you on the right track for keeping yourself safe from sun damage all year round.