


Chemical sunscreens “absorb” UV rays like a sponge through a chemical reaction that transforms the UV rays into heat and the heat is “released from the skin.” Chemical sunscreen typically contains a combination of as many as six chemicals - oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene and homosalate - and that’s how you can tell them apart from mineral sunscreens, according to King.
Zinc oxide sunscreen skin#
Mineral sunscreen, sometimes referred to as a physical blocker, contains either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and sometimes both, which sit on top of the skin and help physically shield it from harmful UV rays, explained board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD.The biggest difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is how they protect you according to board-certified dermatologist Deborah Spey, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group, who highlighted that both types of SPF are proven to be “safe and effective in reducing short- and long-term sun damage and skin cancer. Mineral sunscreen versus chemical sunscreen UVB rays might result in sunburns and lead to skin cancer.UVA rays might accelerate signs of aging.Exposure to both can be harmful in different ways. Regardless of what type of sunscreen you reach for, experts advised using a broad-spectrum sunblock to protect the skin from the sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) rays, of which there are two types you should consider. But what is a chemical sunscreen? And why would a mineral sunscreen be better? To inform your choice of the best sunscreen this summer, we consulted board-certified dermatologists on the differences between the two, and got recommendations on what sunscreens are worth buying. Some dermatologists argue in favor of mineral sunscreen over chemical sunscreen - in January 2021, Hawaii actually became the first state to ban the sale of chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. And as the return to normal continues and the weather warms up, you might be looking to incorporate sunblock into your daily routine to help protect yourself from the sun. By now, you’ve likely heard skin care experts say sunscreen is essential in helping reduce the potential of sunburns, skin cancer and wrinkles.
