Sunscreens come in two types: chemical and mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens are known to have ingredients capable of absorbing the sun’s rays. On the other hand, mineral sunscreens work via the deflection of the sun’s rays.
Therefore, mineral sunscreen is also called physical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen is called that way since it has two very popular ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Also, some sunscreens usually have features of both types. For example, they contain both chemical and mineral-blocking abilities. Though mineral sunscreen is an excellent option, many people need to learn more about it.
So, read on to find out everything you need about mineral sunscreens.
What is mineral sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens only use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as their primary active ingredients. However, for a sunscreen to be mineral, it must use the above active ingredients or just zinc oxide and nothing else.
You have to carefully look at the ingredients list since several sunscreens are found in the market claiming mineral sunscreens but still have other chemicals added.
How does mineral sunscreen protect the skin from harmful UV rays? It does this quite similarly to chemical sunscreens. Both chemical and mineral sunscreens protect the skin by absorbing harmful UV rays into the skin and then turning them into heat.
The difference between both is that while a chemical sunscreen would absorb the whole UV rays, a mineral sunscreen would absorb about 90% of the rays while reflecting the other.
Sunscreens are not better than others, but certain sunscreens are better for some types of skin, for instance, dark skin, since they don’t irritate the skin. So, if you have dark skin, you can choose from the available mineral sunscreen for dark skin.
Why use mineral sunscreen?
Using mineral sunscreen doesn’t need any fast or complicated rules. It usually depends on your preferences and whether your skin would react better to it. For people with acne-prone skin or very sensitive skin, it would be best to choose mineral formulas. The reason for this is that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have smaller chances of resulting in irritation or other types of reactions.
Additionally, zinc oxide is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe blemishes or acne. This is also why diaper rash creams have zinc. Also, it depends on what you like to wear. You may like wearing mineral sunscreen because it works well with your products and feels better.
Primary ingredients found in mineral sunscreen
Zinc oxide is the primary active ingredient found in mineral sunscreen. It is a natural source of minerals commonly used as an additive in several products and materials, such as specific types of sunscreens, foods, adhesives, and ointments. Zinc oxide is also the same material many people need because it has immense nutritional benefits.
It is also lacking in many people’s diets since the human body cannot store it naturally. However, zinc has an essential role in the body’s natural processes, such as the ability of your skin to heal and your body’s immune system. This is why zinc effectively protects your skin from sun damage. In mineral sunscreens, zinc oxide holds, throws back, and disperses the UVB and UVA rays while protecting your skin from the sun’s harm.
The several benefits of mineral sunscreens
There are several benefits of using mineral sunscreens. They are:
- Better for sensitive skins
Mineral sunscreens don’t have harsh chemicals, and since they don’t get absorbed into your skin, they are safe for sensitive skin. They also cause lesser skin issues, such as irritation against the chemical counterpart.
Zinc is well known as an anti-irritant and a skin protector, while titanium is a non-irritating and safe cosmetic that best suits sensitive skin.
- Provides better protection
Mineral sunscreen can protect against UVA and UVB rays that can damage the skin. For better protection, it is better to use sunscreens labeled as broad or full spectrum.
- Safe for skin prone to acne
Chemical sunscreens usually cause blemishes and clogged pores. Meanwhile, mineral sunscreens are less likely to clog pores, especially those labeled as non-comedogenic
Final Words
Mineral sunscreens are an excellent alternative to chemical-based sunscreens since they protect against UVB and UVA sun damage. Instead of getting into your skin, they stay on your skin and contain natural ingredients that are very friendly to human life.
Though mineral components usually result in a chalky-white residue, several sunscreen brands have stepped in to resolve the problem. Since mineral sunscreens have several blends which suit different skin tones and skin types, they have earned their place as a good option for resisting damages caused by the sun.
