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Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreen

Hello Gorgeous!


Let me begin by saying that it doesn’t matter what type of sunscreen you apply. Sunscreens, like most other skincare products, should feel good to you when you apply it to the skin. If you feel like it’s too heavy or it stings….switch it up. That may not be the right product for you. There are so many sunscreen options out there. You just have to find the right one that feels good to you.



Mineral sunscreens (AKA physical sunscreens) sit on top of the skin and deflect UVA and UVB rays. You’ll see ingredients listed like zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Because mineral sunscreens do not absorb into the skin, it’s very easy to sweat or wipe them off. For this reason, mineral/physical sunscreens will most likely need to be reapplied more often. The upside of using a mineral sunscreen is that it’s usually well tolerated by most skin types. Because it’s made with natural elements of the earth (and not chemicals), it doesn’t usually cause the skin to sting when applied. Mineral sunscreens are also less likely to clog the pores and cause breakouts. The downside is that zinc and titanium can feel heavy on the skin. Although, as mentioned above, there are so many options. I have found numerous mineral based sunscreens that do not feel heavy on my skin.


Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin. The chemicals absorb UVA and UVB rays and convert them into heat which your skin then releases. You’ll see these chemicals listed as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, homosalate and many more. Basically, if you see anything other than zinc or titanium oxide listed…it’s a chemical based sunscreen. A great thing about chemical sunscreens is that they have a little more staying power, meaning they will not need to be reapplied as often. The downside is that the chemicals are absorbed into the skin and can enter the bloodstream and some people are uncomfortable with that.


So which one is better, mineral or chemical sunscreen? In my opinion, it’s whichever one you’re more likely to wear. Personally, I use both. For day-to-day, I tend to stick with mineral based sunscreens. However, when I know I’ll be in the sun for an extended period of time, I use both a chemical and a mineral sunscreens. It makes me feel like I’m covering all my bases. Bottom line, experiment to find the right sunscreen for you. One that feels good on your skin and provides adequate (SPF 30 or higher) broad spectrum coverage.

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