The Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen

Sunscreen is sunscreen, right? Errr, no, sadly not. Sorry to pour cold water on your diligent efforts to prevent damage from UV rays, but not all sunscreen products are made equal. 

As dermatologists, the most important thing we can say about sunscreen is that it should be a minimum of factor 30. Whether this is a mineral, chemical, or hybrid product will depend on many factors, including:

• The sensitivity of your skin.
• Your lifestyle.
• Personal preference.

Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreen

In a nutshell, chemical sunscreen (sometimes called organic or synthetic sunscreen) uses, surprise surprise, chemical elements to filter the unwanted UV rays of the sun. They contain ingredients, such as:

• Avobenzone
• Homosalate
• Octinoxate
• Octisalate
• Octocrylene
• Oxybenzone

These chemicals absorb the sun’s rays, turn that energy into heat, and release it from the skin.

Chemical sunscreen is transparent and needs to be on the skin for a little before it takes effect. This is why you see many bottles with instructions to apply it 20 or 30 minutes before you go out into the sun.

Mineral sunscreen—also known as physical sunscreen—works in a slightly different way. The UV rays are absorbed and then it reflects or scatters them away from the skin. It works immediately because it creates a physical barrier. The two ingredients used in mineral sunscreen are:

• Titanium dioxide.
• Zinc oxide.

Both mineral and chemical types have their pros and cons, which has given rise to the trending increase of hybrid sunscreens. These use a combination of ingredients and are intended to give the benefits of each and minimize the unwanted elements. We’ll talk more about these in a moment.

Pros and cons of chemical sunscreen

OK, so let’s break this down into digestible chunks. The pros of chemical sunscreen can be summed up as:

• Being easy to apply, with a smooth consistency that’s quickly absorbed into the skin.
• Once dried, it’s transparent and unnoticeable.
• Many are water resistant, making them ideal for those with an active lifestyle or a day on the beach/by the pool.

On the flip side, they are:

• More likely to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. They can also be detrimental to those who suffer from acne breakouts.
• There are some potential concerns about the chemicals that are absorbed into the skin.

Pros and cons of mineral sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens offer advantages such as:

• Giving instant protection.
• Are better tolerated by those with sensitive skin, allergies, or prone to breakouts. Many people prefer to use the mineral option on children because they’re gentler on the skin.

And the cons…

They leave a white residue on the skin, which is especially noticeable on darker skin tones.

The mineral element makes them thicker and gloopier. They’re more difficult to apply and spread evenly on the skin. Some people don’t like the feel of this.

One way to minimize the cons of either type is to use the hybrid version. These are designed to combine the cosmetic appeal of chemical with the protection of mineral. While this may sound like the perfect solution, in all reality the best sunscreen to choose is the one that works for you.

Sporty, active people often prefer the versatility of chemical sunscreen. It’s far more resistant to swimming or a sweaty workout, plus it’s invisible on the skin. Those with sensitive skin or worries about chemical absorption might be more comfortable with the physical barrier of a mineral product.

The biggest takeaway that we as dermatologists want you to take note of is that the best sunscreen for you is the one that you wear daily, without fail. Apply it liberally, make sure it’s at least 30 SPF (50 if you’re particularly fair), and ensure that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

At Bayou City Dermatology, we’re passionate about protecting the skin from the detrimental effects of the sun. From advice on which sunscreen is best for you to mole checks and sun damage skincare, we’re here to help you achieve and love your best possible skin.

Discover more at https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/services