"One of the best ways to protect against skin cancer and premature fine lines and wrinkles, sunscreen is an essential step in any daily skin care routine, regardless of skin tone or type. When choosing a sunscreen mineral sunscreen, you avoid the known and suspected carcinogens, hormone disruptors and skin irritants that are common in the active ingredients of chemical SPFs. Additionally, the technology in mineral sunscreens has improved so much that the best formulas are now integrated. easily on any skin tone."
HOW DO THEY WORK?
The main difference between the two is how they work: mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) form a physical barrier to block and reflect UVA and UVB rays, while chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays. The SPF ratings for both mineral and chemical sunscreens reflect UVB protection only. Keep the sun in mind when selecting your sunscreen. Any sunscreen may not meet your expectations.
HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN MINERAL AND CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN
No more! Our new favorites blend easily into any skin tone without leaving the whitish residue of previous versions, and feel silky and luxurious on all skin types. Some of the ones we're most excited about are tinted and act almost like makeup, incorporating skin-perfecting technology to smooth the appearance of pores, even out tone, and tone down the visibility of imperfections. Others are fortified with antioxidants that boost skin care to protect and improve skin even further.
WHAT ABOUT SKIN IRRITATION AND ITS CARE?
While common ingredients in chemical sunscreens are known to irritate the skin (octinoxate or octyl methoxycinnamate, homosalate and octisalate have all been shown to be irritating to the skin and eyes) and may be part of the reason why sunscreens Sunburns have a reputation for causing irritation or acne, zinc oxide is so soothing that it is the main ingredient in baby bottom creams. Look for formulas that contain only zinc if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin.
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS WITH CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN?
Some of the most common active ingredients in chemical sunscreens—oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate—have been identified by some reputable organizations as hormone disruptors. For example, the 2020 EWG annual report (https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/executive-summary/) cites four separate 2020 studies that showed that oxybenzone can act as an endocrine disruptor and could increase the risk of breast cancer and endometriosis. Other studies such as the one in JAMA propose that some chemical sunscreen ingredients—avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule—can be absorbed into the bloodstream. This is especially concerning because these chemicals can cause problems even in trace amounts—there is no known safe dosage for their use. For example in the US, the only active ingredients for sunscreens that are generally recognized as safe and effective are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, according to a May 2019 FDA proposal to reevaluate the safety of the ingredients used in chemical sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens can also impact the environment. Some countries have banned the sale and distribution of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, both of which have been shown to harm coral reefs and other marine life. You must take this into account on your trips.
MANUFACTURERS HAVE DEVELOPED AMAZING SUNSCREENS
New ways of encapsulating and blending ingredients have changed the way mineral sunscreens look and feel on the skin. The new ultra-light serum formulas are one of our favorite ways to apply broad-spectrum sun protection (they absorb like magic) and they're simply brilliant. Of course they haven't forgotten the children.
BODY SUNSCREEN HAS ALSO CHANGED
Improvements in blendability and texture are also noticeable in body products, even with SPF 50. And while they're labeled for the body, we love them for the face, too.
CHOOSE CREAMS AND LOTIONS FOR MAXIMUM SAFETY
Be careful with sprays and powders because inhaling sunscreen ingredients (even minerals) can carry them deep into the lungs; Additionally, it is much more difficult to obtain adequate coverage when using sprays or powders. Aerosols are especially problematic. Our recommendation is creams.
