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Whether you’re sitting poolside, lying beachside, hiking on a cloudy day, or snowboarding in freezing temperatures, applying sunscreen first (and reapplying it a few hours later) is a must. Protecting your skin is vital to avoid developing skin cancer as well as premature aging. But in order to choose the best sunscreen for you, it’s important to know the different types of sunscreens on the market. For example mineral sunscreens (like Zinc Oxide sunscreens) vs. chemical sunscreens.
Your face is more exposed to the sun than any other part of your body. It’s never completely covered whether it’s the heat of summer or the dull days of winter. Though, you may be thinking, is mineral or chemical sunscreen better? Here’s everything there is to know about mineral vs. chemical sunscreens, and why mineral sunscreen is ideal for your face.
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The Main Difference Between Mineral And Chemical Sunscreen
The main difference between mineral (or physical) sunscreens and chemical sunscreens is how they handle the sun’s rays. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which create a barrier on your skin that reflects UV light. They don’t absorb into the skin.
So, is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen? It’s important to know that mineral sunscreens offer the most protection because they’re literally creating a physical separation between you and the sun. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays by changing their chemical structure to reduce sun damage.
Most chemical sunscreens contain at least one of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, octinoxate, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octisalate, octocrylene, padimate O, sulisobenzone, and avobenzone. Chemical sunscreens wear off more quickly and need to be reapplied every couple of hours — which is why mineral sunscreens are superior.
5 Reasons To Use Mineral Sunscreens On Your Face
Why is mineral sunscreen better to use on your face? We’ve narrowed down five essential reasons below.
1. Better Protection From Harmful UV
Your sunscreen should protect you from all dangerous UV rays. Whereas the SPF rating tells you only about the percentage of UVB blocked, protection from UVA is just as important. UVA rays penetrate your skin even deeper and can damage your skin as well as cause wrinkles and sun spots, but without any indication in the form of visual sunburn.
The beauty of mineral sunscreen is that they usually contain zinc oxide which is one of the most effective blockers of both UVB and UBA rays — which means that they provide the “broad spectrum” protection you’re after. This is exactly why mineral sunscreen is better than other options.
Mineral UV-filters also don’t break down in sunlight as some chemical UV-filters do. Zinc Oxide for example is highly photostable, which means it doesn’t lose its protective power under exposure to UV light.
Your skin will look mattified and pore-less when using this oil-free sunscreen. Made with Wild Butterfly Ginger and Bamboo Extract, the mineral sunscreen from Supergoop will help protect your skin from potential damage from free-radicals and blue light. You can use it as a makeup-gripping primer or on its own for unmatched shine control.
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This weightless and matte mineral sunscreen is perfect for all skin types and caters towards those experiencing acne, redness, and blemishes. It’s formulated with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. The duo creates a physical barrier to protect your skin from UV rays. The best part? It’s non-greasy and doesn’t leave your skin feeling like you have sunscreen on it.
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A white cast after applying sunscreen is a less than welcomed sight. But Bubble’s Solar Mate is sheer, lightweight, and blends easily with zero white cast. You can use this under makeup or on its own. If you have acne-prone skin, you don’t need to worry about any irritation while using this sunscreen as it’s formulated specifically for those who experience breakouts more frequently.
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2. Better Formulated For Sensitive Skin
Mineral and chemical sunscreens work in fundamentally different ways. Chemical sunscreens (relying on chemical UV-filters such as Oxybenzone or Avobenzone) penetrate your skin and bloodstream, which has been linked to negative health effects ranging from allergies, skin irritations and hormonal disruptions.
On the other hand, one of the benefits of mineral sunscreen (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is that it sits on top of your skin and scatters UV rays like a mirror. In addition to the UV filter it is often also the additional ingredients such as perfumes, parabens, and phthalates (double-check that your mineral sunscreen doesn’t contain any of these) that irritate sensitive skin when using conventional sunscreen.
Mineral sunscreens tend to rely on less ingredients and more natural alternatives that make them suitable for sensitive skin, allergies, and babies. The skin on your face tends to be more sensitive, so using a mineral sunscreen is the perfect way to protect it from the sun.
Applying this lightweight mineral sunscreen to your face will be a luxurious feeling. The formula is smooth and dries ultra-sheer once applied. It blends seamlessly into skin, giving you a satin finish that’s perfect for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin. If you struggle with acne or have dark spots and fine lines and wrinkles, this mineral sunscreen will keep your skin calm rather than irritating it.
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If you already use CeraVe’s skin care products, you will love adding this hydrating mineral sunscreen to your daily regime. The formula provides a sheer tint and will give your skin a glow you will love — sans any white cast. It’s oil-free and works to protect your skin by forming a barrier to reflect UVA and UVB rays. You can use it on its own or as a makeup primer. Either way, your skin will look amazing.
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Protect your skin from the sun with this lightweight broad spectrum sunscreen. It will hydrate and soothe your skin, giving you a glow that’ll last all day with no white cast in sight. The mineral sunscreen is formulated with green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil to nurture your skin while delivering heaps of moisture.
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3. Immediate Protection
Ever wondered why you’re supposed to put on conventional chemical sunscreen before you venture out in the sun? This is due to the fact that this type of sunscreen needs to be absorbed into your skin before having any protective effect.
Mineral sunscreens are also referred to as physical sunscreens because of the physical barrier they build on top of your skin. Therefore they protect you from the first moment of application so you don’t have to wait before venturing outdoors.
Summer Fridays has top notch skincare products, and their best one may just be this lightweight, reef-friendly mineral sunscreen. Applying this mineral sunscreen SPF 30 will help shield skin from UV rays without drying or leaving a sticky or greasy feeling. You’ll be left with a soft and natural-looking finish each time you use it.
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If you have sensitive skin, get your hands on this lightweight, oil-free, and non-acnegenic mineral sunscreen fluid ASAP! Its formula is ultra-lightweight and looks invisible once applied to your face. An invisible shield technology creates a protective shield your skin will appreciate. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re out and about in the sun.
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Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with this lightweight, oil-free, mineral sunscreen. Your skin will feel hydrated each time you apply it to your face, and it even doubles as a face primer. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it absorbs oil and gives you a soft-matte finish you will absolutely love (trust us).
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4. Flawless Coverage
Another one of the myths revolving around mineral sunscreens is that they will inevitably leave an obvious white cast on your skin that makes you look just as pale as a ghost. While this holds true for the iconic zinc sunblocks used by surfers and lifeguards (and for good reason as the thickness of the formula provides ultimate water resistance) there are now some liquid mineral sunscreens that leave no more than a faint white shimmer or no whiteness at all. Plus, because you can see where the mineral sunscreen is going on your skin during application, it provides complete and flawless coverage and protection.
This clean, silicone-free, and ultra-soft mineral sunscreen will glide easily on your skin, boasting it with moisture. As you use the sunscreen, it will visibly smooth and brighten your skin while creating just about the most perfect makeup base ever. It’s made with skin-loving ingredients like mineral SPF, Peptides, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid and Allantoin — AKA your skin will feel hydrated, and look plump and smooth.
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Enhanced with vitamin C, this 100% mineral sunscreen is formulated to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. It will visibly correct and prevent any signs of sun damage (goodbye sun spots!). Struggling with dullness? Don’t worry, this sunscreen will brighten your skin more and more with each use.
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An invisible and mineral sunscreen all in one? Yes, please! This sunscreen from Dermalogica is ideal for those who have sensitive skin. It blends so easily with any skin tone and works to defend against blue and UVA/UVB light. Your skin will feel soothed, hydrated, and healthy each time you apply the sunscreen to your skin.
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5. Peace Of Mind
Did you know that 10% of the world’s coral reefs are threatened by bleaching from a single chemical UV-filter called Oxybenzone and a single drop of sunscreen equivalent to an Olympic swimming pool can damage reefs? Research has confirmed that over the past years conventionally used chemical UV-filters directly endanger reefs and marine wildlife, leading to hormonal disruptions — for example, fish will become affected.
According to the latest state of research, the two mineral UV-filters Zinx Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are considered the safest option for the ocean currently available. This is why mineral sunscreen (and a reef-safe sunscreen) for your face can give you peace of mind that the planet will be protected as well as your skin.
A broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen is always a good idea, especially when it comes to this lightweight sunscreen from Paula’s Choice. Perfect for normal, combination, and oily skin, this sheer-tinted multifaceted mineral sunscreen will give your skin a boost to help defend it from the sun. If you tend to look shiny, this sunscreen will minimize that, giving your skin a silky matte finish.
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A fast-absorbing mineral sunscreen is exactly what we all need on days where we’re in a rush. This lightweight broad-spectrum sunscreen is not only fast-absorbing, it is reef safe and free of silicones and fragrance. While protecting your skin from the sun, it also works to diminish dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and even redness.
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Delivering broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, this tinted physical (mineral) sunscreen helps diminish the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture while protecting your skin from the sun. It helps to protect your skin from free-radical and oxidative damage without drying out or irritating your skin.
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Mineral Sunscreens Offer The Better Option
Of the two types, mineral sunscreens are generally the better, healthier option for the sensitive and exposed areas of your face. Why use mineral sunscreen? Because they are the equivalent of a healthy, home-cooked meal, [while] chemical sunscreens are like the fast food of sunscreens.
The FDA recommends using broad-spectrum sunscreen (these protect you from both types of UV rays: UVA and UVB) with SPF values of 15 or higher, making sure to reapply at least every two hours, and you should use about the size of a nickel (at least) to cover your face.
Fancy some more ideas about how to protect your beautiful face in the sun? Check out 6 SPF LipBalms That Won’t Ruin The Taste Of Your Lunch and our roundup of dermatologist-recommended sunscreens.
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