Now that we all know the importance of wearing your sunscreen daily, let's break down the different types of sunscreens and which one is right for you.
Mineral sunscreens contain Titanium Dioxide and/or Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient and they work by sitting on top of the skin and deflecting the sun's damaging UVA and UVB rays. They are sometimes referred to as physical sunscreen because that’s what they do; they provide a physical barrier between your skin and the UVA/UVB rays.
Pros of the mineral sunscreen:
If you have oily skin mineral sunscreens are a good option because they often leave a matte finish. They are also a great option for acne prone skin and for sensitive skin because it won’t clog your pores and won’t absorb into the skin eliminating the potential for a bad reaction
Cons of mineral sunscreen:
The most common complaint of the mineral sunscreens is the white cast that they often leave. They also are not sweat or waterproof so if you’re outside exercising or swimming they may not be the best option for you.
Chemical sunscreens, the active ingredient in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone and they work by absorbing the UV rays, converting those rays into heat and releasing them from the body.
Pros of chemical sunscreens:
Chemical sunscreens often contain other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and other hydrating ingredients so they make a great moisturizer/SPF to help keep skin hydrated and protected. They are usually waterproof and sweat resistant so they are also great to keep you protected during your outdoor activities.
Cons of chemical sunscreens:
If you have very sensitive skin chemical sunscreens can sometimes cause a reaction. Make sure you are familiar with the ingredients and that none of them are comedogenic.