Chemical vs mineral (physical) sunscreen: Which to choose?

We all know sunscreen is a non-negotiable. Not just limited to beach holidays or time by the pool, sunscreen should and must be used daily to protect the skin from the harmful and aging effects of the sun. One of the best ways to be consistent with sunscreen is to find one you enjoy using but which to choose? Enter any shop and you will find sunscreens that are labelled, mineral, physical or chemical. If the labels are confusing for you, you are in the right place and we are here to break down the various sunscreens for you.

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Mineral sunscreen

Mineral or physical sunscreen are the same and they typically contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which create a barrier on your skin that helps to reflect UV light away from your skin.

Mineral sunscreen literally create a physical barrier so that UV rays do not get a chance to penetrate into your skin. You will recognise mineral sunscreen from their chalky finish, usually leaving a white cast on the skin – not a very appealing look unless your skin is already deathly pale. In other words as long as you can see the sunscreen on your face, you know it’s still doing its job of protecting your skin.

The good news is there are now tinted options available, so they offer the same amount of sun protection with the added bonus of giving your skin some colour for a more natural look.

To try:

1.       SKN THRPY CLEAN 100% Mineral, Matte Finish Sunscreen – a mineral sunscreen stick that contains Centella Asiatica, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. This sunscreen stick makes it easy to apply and re-apply on the go while offering broad spectrum SPF 50 protection with a matte finish.

2.       Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil – Available in 15 different shades, this tinted sunscreen is sure to have one that matches closely to your skin colour, doubling as a lightweight foundation to give you a natural, radiant finish.

Chemical sunscreen

Many skincare brands have created chemical sunscreen to counter the thick texture of mineral sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens work differently from mineral sunscreen, in that they absorb the UV rays and then change their chemical structure to reduce sun damage. You will find one of these active ingredients in chemical sunscreens in either spray or cream form: oxybenzone, octinoxate, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octisalate, octocrylene, padimate O, sulisobenzone, and avobenzone.

However, chemical sunscreens tend to wear off quicker and need reapplication every 2 hours, especially if you engage in activities like swimming or are in a humid climate, where sweat and water will wash away the chemical sunscreen.

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Conclusion

Using sunscreen is an essential part of your skincare routine to protect your skin from the damaging and aging effects of the sun’s UV rays. Any sunscreen is better than one, and finding one that you enjoy using, be it chemical or physical, will place your skin in good stead as you get older.