What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?

Types of Sunscreens, Application, Non-standard Protection Methods

It's time for family picnics in nature, poolside parties, and carefree days at the beach. Unfortunately, no sunny day comes without risks – for our skin, health, and beauty. This is where our well-known sunscreens come to the rescue.

The sun exposes us daily to ultraviolet radiation – UV rays.

UV rays are invisible to the human eye and are classified by wavelength. The main types of UV rays are UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVA rays have the longest wavelength, followed by UVB and UVC.
Shorter UV rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, so by the time UV radiation reaches your body, most of it is in the form of UVA and less as UVB.
UVB rays only penetrate the outer layers of your skin, but UVA rays penetrate deeper levels of the dermis due to their longer wavelength.
UVB rays cause superficial inflammation and damage like sunburn, for example, while UVA rays can cause deeper skin damage and an increased risk of cellular changes.

Types of sunscreens

The active ingredients in sunscreens work by creating filters that protect the skin from the penetration of harmful UV rays. There are two types of sunscreens – mineral and chemical sunscreens. Each type uses a different mechanism to filter UV rays and protect the skin from damage in a different way.

Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens cover the surface of the skin, acting as a physical blocker by deflecting and scattering UV rays. We can imagine them as small mirrors on the skin's surface. Since they block UV rays at a superficial level, mineral sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Additionally, because mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier, they are effective immediately after being applied, so there's no need to wait for them to absorb before exposing yourself to direct sunlight.

Mineral sunscreens usually have a white tint and can be visible on the skin. Also, because they remain on the skin's surface and do not absorb into it, they can easily wash or rub off, necessitating frequent reapplication.

Since nanoparticles in mineral sunscreens should not be inhaled, it is best to avoid sprays and powder forms to minimize their entry into the lungs.

Mineral sunscreens contain the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide or a combination of both.

Pros:

complete protection from UVA and UVB rays;
act immediately;
do not clog pores

Cons:

frequent reapplication is necessary;
may leave a white film on the skin;
sprays and powder formulas should be avoided.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into your skin and penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis. They absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, then release the heat through the skin's pores.

Since UV rays must penetrate the skin to reach these chemicals, chemical sunscreens may not protect against all UVA rays, which means only one thing – damage to the deeper layers of the skin.

Chemical sunscreens start to work about 20 minutes after application to the skin. This means that to be effective, planning is required in your daily beauty routine.

Moreover, direct light leads to faster evaporation of the chemicals, so their reapplication should be more frequent when exposed to direct sunlight.

Chemical sunscreens can irritate sensitive skin or skin prone to rosacea or hyperpigmentation.

Chemical sunscreens also can clog pores and create problems for acne-prone skin. They often contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, octisalate, homosalate, or combinations thereof.

Pros:

less product is needed for effective application;
they apply in a thinner and easier-to-spread layer on the skin;

Cons:

allow some harmful UVA rays to penetrate the skin;
can exacerbate conditions such as acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation;
frequent application is required;

The best choice

Various factors influence the choice of sunscreens that are best suited for your needs and preferences. Here are some basic guidelines to ensure you make the right choice.

Check the ingredients

Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the most studied for clinical safety and effectiveness.

Avoid sprays and powder products

A spray sunscreen option is more convenient to use, even on the go. However, it is advisable to use sunscreen cream or lotion to avoid inhaling these types of products.

Consider the use

If you will be in direct sunlight for most of the day, then mineral sunscreen is the best choice, especially if you have acne, rosacea, or sensitive skin. However, if you will be exercising or swimming and won't be able to reapply your sunscreen frequently, then consider a chemical sunscreen.

Don't focus on the SPF number

Quite often, the SPF class is speculated in the cosmetic industry. It would be much more effective to correctly apply a product with a low SPF than to rely on a single application of a product with a deceptively high SPF.

Apply correctly

Apply a thick layer of mineral sunscreen for optimal coverage that is immediately effective, or apply chemical sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.

Reapplication

All sunscreen wears off, so reapply at least every two hours.

Don't skip it

Any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

The Golden 8 Rules for Applying Sunscreen:

Sunscreen should be worn daily, regardless of your location – indoors and outdoors.
In everyday life, sunscreen should be applied to both the face and other parts of the body.
Sunscreen should be applied to the entire face, including the ears, neck, décolletage, and hands.
The magic SPF number is 30. The American Academy of Dermatology always recommends SPF 30, as this sun protection factor has been clinically proven to offer sufficient protection to reduce or minimize the adverse effects of sunlight.
You should reapply your sunscreen every few hours.
Mineral sunscreen is recommended. One reason for this is the controversial ingredient list of chemical sunscreens. All dermatologists seem to agree that mineral sunscreens are the best option for sun protection. An even greater advantage is that mineral formulas are suitable even for people with sensitive skin.
Your clothes can also count as an SPF factor against sun rays. Sun protection doesn't just involve cosmetic products. Don't forget to wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
Your lips also need protection. People forget to protect their lips, and skin cancer in this area can be particularly dangerous. Everyone needs a lip balm with SPF. Don't skip it!

*Women may become more sensitive to the sun during menstruation. During these periods, the risk of skin damage from the sun is greater, including the likelihood of painful burns.

SPF you can eat

Can some foods help protect you from the sun?

Of course, sunscreen is the first line of defense against ultraviolet rays, but some foods can definitely act as reinforcement in this battle.

How exactly do these foods protect you?

Generally speaking, these are fruits and vegetables that contain a mixture of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They fight inflammation and free radicals formed by UV rays, which attack DNA, collagen in tissues, and lead to skin cancer and premature aging.

What foods have SPF properties?

The most research has been done on tomatoes, which are very rich in an antioxidant called lycopene. Eating 40 grams of tomato paste daily reduces redness, swelling, and pain after sun exposure. Studies show that lycopene is much more easily absorbed through tomato paste than through raw tomatoes.

Another good source is chocolate. A scientific experiment in Germany showed that drinking cocoa with a high concentration of flavonoids — the antioxidants found in cocoa beans — protects the skin from sunburn. The chocolate that could protect us should contain at least 70 percent cocoa — the darker, the better.

Omega-3 in fish also increases natural SPF.

What if you travel a lot during the summer and need a quick source of SPF?

Cranberries and walnuts are a rich source of ellagic acid, another antioxidant that has been shown to combat sun damage and premature aging. They block the formation of enzymes that break down collagen and elastin in tissues. If you spend more time outdoors in the summer, it might be difficult to consume tomato paste, so cranberries are a great snack, as are walnuts.