SUNSCREEN BLOG
Choosing your perfect sunscreen can be difficult. The two main types of sunscreen in the market are: Chemical Sunscreen vs Physical Sunscreen. There are some key differences between how each type works.
Today’s market features thousands of different sunscreen options. These sunscreens offer multiple broad-spectrum formulations. These formulations protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays and offer a high sun protection factor (SPF).
CHEMICAL VS. PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN: THE KEY DIFFERENCE
The main difference between chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen is how they work:
– Physical sunscreen (often called sun block) sits on top of the skin and works by deflecting the UV rays away. When applied, you can think of physical sunscreen as a mirror shield that limits the amount of UV rays that penetrate the skin by bouncing them away. Common active ingredients of physical sunscreen
include minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
– Chemical sunscreen works differently as it fully absorbs into the skin. Once absorbed, chemical sunscreen works by converting UV rays that penetrate the skin into heat which is dissipated from the body. Common active ingredients of chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, octinoxate or oxybenzone.
Pros of chemical sunscreens:
- Thinner formulation makes application easier
- Does not cause significant streaking or white spots
- More resistant to sweat or water
- Sunscreen is invisible after application
- Feels lighter on the skin
Cons of chemical sunscreens:
- Effective 20 minutes after application
- Higher chances of redness in rosacea-prone skin
- Can clog the pores
- Higher SPFs may irritate skin more
- In direct light, reapplication is needed
Pros of physical sunscreens:
- Blocks both UVA and UVB rays
- Works as soon as it’s applied
- Great for sensitive skin types
- Does not clog pores
- Long shelf life
Cons of physical sunscreens:
- Can be rubbed off more easily than chemical sunscreen
- Often leaves white streaks
- Pores can appear as white spots when sweating
- Not ideal for use under makeup
- More likely to rub off onto your clothes
KEY THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING A SUNSCREEN!
No matter what type of sunscreen you choose, look for the following:
- Broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays
- Non-comedogenic formulas which won’t clog pores
- Oil free formulas if you have acne prone skin
- Paraben-free formulas for reduced risk of skin cancer
- Fragrance free formulas for sensitive skin
- An SPF of 30 or higher
WHICH TYPE OF SUNSCREEN IS BEST?
The best type of sunscreen, whether chemical or physical, depends on your specific skin and lifestyle needs! If you are more of an outdoorsy person and prefer doing regular physical activities outside, then you should opt for chemical sunscreen as it is more resistant to sweat and water. However, you may prefer physical sunscreen for a more casual day to day activity. In the end, it is completely up to each and every individual on what makes either of the sunscreens stand out to them!!