Should I Use a Chemical Sunscreen or a Mineral Sunscreen?

Who remembers slathering on baby oil and iodine and using a reflector to direct those sun rays to your face in spring and summer? Who else baked at the beach all day without a hat, an umbrella or any sun protection? My twin Jill and I would compete at the end of a beach day pestering my mom with the question “who is tanner”? We lived near Atlantic Beach and spent wonderful summer days by the ocean. One summer, before sleep away camp, I had such a terrible blistering sunburn from a five hour stay at the beach that I could not sleep or shower due to the pain. But I went to camp with a tan (more like lobster red). Did we worry about the long term effects on our skin? We hadn’t a clue.

Today we know that repeated, unprotected sun exposure or getting sunburned causes DNA damage that triggers the cells to mutate which can often become skin cancer. In fact, one in five people will have skin cancer during their lifetime; (I am one of those people). We now have the research to know that daily SPF that is broad spectrum (protects against UVA rays—aging and UVB rays—burning) is the best thing you can do for your skin. But should we choose a chemical or mineral (physical) sunscreen?

The easiest way to distinguish between the two types is to check the ingredients. Physical sunscreens contain mineral compounds like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (think of the lifeguard with white cream on his nose). Chemical sunscreens are made of compounds such as avobenzone and oxybenzone and are usually clear.

Physical (mineral) sunscreens reflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, so the mineral sunscreen is less likely to irritate your skin because it scatters the sun rays. The chemical sunscreen, on the other hand can cause skin irritation because it absorbs the sun rays and traps heat into the skin. It can irritate sensitive skin, rosacea and acne prone skin and may increase discolorations and brown spots and clog pores in oily skins.

The cons of the physical sunscreen is that it may leave a white cast, and not be compatible for darker complexions, while the chemical sunscreens absorb quickly into the skin because of their thinner consistency and clear texture, leaving no white cast.

Some examples of mineral sunscreens that I have used and liked are Elta MD tinted UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($29.00 Amazon), It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer SPF50. (Ulta ). I prefer this to the It Cosmetics CC Cream SPF50, which is thicker, although that one is popular as well.

With regard to chemical sunscreens, I use Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 and like Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF 50.

Thanks to my friend Cheryl Z. For requesting this topic. She had asked whether I preferred chemical or mineral sunscreen and I told her I would do the research and get back to her. Honestly, I now will choose to use the physical sunscreen in the spring and summer. I do not want my existing brown spots to darken, nor do I want any new ones. I will still wear my Unseen Sunscreen (chemical) under my makeup in winter.

I hope this blog post has been informative and helpful in choosing your perfect daily SPF. Comment below if you have a favorite sunscreen and why you like it. Also, please let me know if there are any topics you would like me to address. I so appreciate your feedback and comments! Keep them coming. XO Penny

Resources

The Best Skin of Your Life Starts Here by Paula Begoun

American Academy of Dermatology July 2017