Have you had trouble understanding why you should switch to mineral sun protection from your usual chemical brand? If so, you’re not alone. It can be quite confusing. The question you really want to know the answer to is – is mineral sunscreen better than a chemical product? That’s something we hope to help you comprehend in this article.
As the two main types of sunscreen on the market, chemical and mineral products each have their benefits, but knowing the best option involves understanding how each works.
Is Mineral Sunscreen Better Than the Alternative?
When addressing the question – is mineral sunscreen better than the chemical alternative? – you have to look at how each type of product provides protection. Let’s take a look at both in isolation.
Chemical Sunscreen – often manufactured with active ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemical sunscreens need to be applied 30 minutes before you go out into the sun. That’s because they need to be absorbed into the skin so that they can convert UV rays into heat and disperse them.
However, the fact that they need to be absorbed makes them more prone to causing a reaction for people with sensitive skin.
Mineral Sunscreen – Far from being made from chemicals, mineral sunscreens are typically made from naturally occurring compounds like zinc oxide. Also referred to as ‘physical sunscreens,’ these products sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away like tiny mirrors before they’ve had a chance to cause damage.
With these sunscreens, there’s no need to wait before going into the sun. They work immediately because they don’t need to be absorbed, and they’re also super gentle.
As we can already see, mineral sunscreens have the upper hand in terms of gentleness and how quickly they become effective. However, these are not the only advantages users of mineral products get to enjoy. Here are a few more.
Broad spectrum protection – any sunscreen you use needs to offer broad spectrum protection, as both UVA and UVB rays can damage the skin in different ways. Some chemical products only protect against one rather than both. However, zinc oxide products all offer the broad spectrum coverage that’s required.
Reef-safe formulas – Octinoxate and oxybenzone are chemicals that have been linked to the erosion of our world’s precious coral reefs, causing what’s known as ‘bleaching’ and making them inhospitable to marine life. Zinc oxide, on the other hand, is benign and has no such effect on the environment.
Is Mineral Sunscreen Better Than Chemical Options? The Evidence is Clear
Obviously, the decision about which type of sunscreen you use is your prerogative, but as we’ve seen here, there’s much to be said for choosing a mineral product. Both types can be effective when used properly, but when it comes to gentleness and broad-spectrum protection, mineral sunscreens are the clear winner.
Add in the fact that mineral sun protection is far better for the environment and that using it doesn’t involve having to wait inside for 30 minutes after application, and the wisdom of choosing it over chemical brands becomes apparent.
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