Sunscreen is so important when it comes to protecting our skin. Even if you’re not planning to be out in the sun you should wear sunscreen daily as part of your skin care routine because too much sun exposure can lead to premature signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
There are so many different types of sunscreen out there so it may feel daunting to choose one that’ll keep your skin safe from UV rays. There is no one answer to “what is the best sunscreen?” because different people with different skin types and lifestyles will have different sunscreens that work better for them. One of the big questions you should be thinking about when choosing the best sunscreen for you is “chemical or physical?”. In this article we will discuss the pros and cons of both physical and chemical sunscreens so you can decide which one is better for you and your skin.
Physical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which work by sitting on top of the skin to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin. They are also called physical blockers.
Pros
- Protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is naturally broad spectrum.
- Protects your skin from the sun as soon as it’s applied, no waiting necessary.
- Lasts longer when in direct UV light
- Less likely to cause a stinging irritation on the skin, so it is better for sensitive skin.
- Better for those with skin that responds to heat negatively (like those with rosacea and redness) since it deflects the heat and light energy away from the skin.
- Less likely to clog pores, so it is better for acne-prone skin.
- Longer shelf life.
Cons
- Can rub off, sweat off, and rinse off easily, meaning more frequent reapplications are needed.
- May leave a white cast on the skin, making some formulas incompatible for medium to dark skin tones.
- May be too chalky and opaque for daily use under make-up.
- Can create a film which results in increased perspiration during physical activities which then makes it wear off more quickly.
- Can be thicker which requires more effort to rub in.
- Can cause white drips to show on the skin when sweating.
- Can be less protective if not applied generously and accurately because UV light can get between the sunscreen molecules and get to the skin.
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone. These compounds create a chemical reaction and work by changing UV rays into heat, then releasing that heat from the skin. They are also called chemical absorbers.
Pros
- Tends to be thinner and spreads more easily on the skin, making it more wearable for daily use.
- Less is needed to protect the skin because there is no risk of spaces between the sunscreen molecules after application.
- Formula is easier to add additional treatment ingredients, such as peptides and enzymes, which offer other skin benefits.
Cons
- Can possibly cause an increase in existing brown spots and discoloration due to higher internal skin tempurature.
- Requires about 20 minutes after application before it begins to work.
- Increased chance of irritation and stinging (especially for those with dry skin).
- The higher the SPF the higher the risk of irritation for sensitive/dry skin types.
- The protection it offers dwindles more quickly when in direct UV light so reapplication must be more frequent.
- Increased chance of redness for rosacea-prone skin types.
- May clog the pores for oily skin types.
- Can cause stinging if it drips into the eyes from sweat.
When trying out a new sunscreen it is a good idea to do a small patch test on your neck or under your chin to make sure you don’t have any sensitivity to it.
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