Sunscreen Basics 101

Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen, What’s the Difference?

SUN SAFETY! With this beautiful summer sunshine, it is time to bring out the SPF and protect our gorgeous skin from those powerful UV rays. Not only is it important to wear sunscreen, but WHAT sunscreen you’re wearing could be the difference between protecting your skin or causing it more harm.

For starters, there are two types of sunscreen: Chemical and Mineral

In mineral sunscreen, the active sun protecting ingredients used are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are natural and are in fact, the only ingredients FDA approved as “safe and effective”.

Chemical sunscreens on the other hand are made up of non-natural, chemical compounds. Although there are many safe options, some ingredients can be potentially harmful as they are able to easily penetrate the skin, enter our bloodstream, and act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. It is important to read labels and become aware of what we are putting on our skin.

To break it down, here are the PROS and CONS of both sunscreens:

Mineral Sunscreen PROS:

Contains safe and effective ingredients

Ideal for sensitive and acne prone skin (noncomedogenic)

Provides immediate protection from the sun

Mineral Sunscreen CONS:

Difficult to blend

May feel thick and heavy

Can rub, sweat, or rinse off easily - will require reapplication

Chemical Sunscreen PROS:

Thin consistency and spreads easily unto skin

Less is required for protection

Can be easily layered with other skin care products

Chemical Sunscreen CONS:

May cause irritation to sensitive skin types

Must wait 20-30 minutes to actively absorb into skin

Some contain harmful products to our body and the environment

When it comes to protecting your skin, any SPF is better than none at all! Use information from your trusted health care providers and resources like the Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide to help guide the best choices for you and your family.