Physical Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreens
- Posted on: Jul 15 2018
We know what it’s like to want flawless skin, but to keep running into roadblocks. Finding the right treatments for your concerns takes time, then it’s a matter of multiple treatments to see the results you want.
Why would you want to spend so much time and energy (and, of course, money) on the best skincare products and treatments, if you’re just going to go out into the sun and let it damage your skin? Keep reading to learn all about the best sunscreens for your face, to keep skin cancer and premature aging at bay.
Physical Sunscreens
Physical or mineral sunscreens use a physical filter to bounce the sun’s harmful UV rays off of your skin. There are only two active physical sunscreen ingredients, so you can choose from Zinc Oxide (remember that thick paste we used to put on our noses at the beach? That’s Zinc), Titanium Dioxide, or a combination of the two. Physical filters have been around longer, and have a great record for working with sensitive skin. They are photostable, which means that they don’t undergo a chemical or physical change when exposed to the sun.
These can be thicker and feel a little more like a paste than a lotion. If you’re a texture person, then it might be harder to gear up to put on your physical sunscreen every day. You might find chemical sunscreens work better for you.
Chemical Sunscreens
Thank goodness for technology. Thanks to improvements in formulations, chemical sunscreens are here for people who hate the feel of sunscreen. They generally feel lighter and absorb faster into the skin. Even better, they are less likely to leave a white cast behind (so you won’t look like a ghost every day at work).
Some issues with chemical sunscreens are how they interact with the environment and our skin. Certain chemicals have been known to cause skin irritation, or even to lose their power when exposed to the sun (referred to as photo-instability). Also, Hawaii recently banned sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, because they contribute to coral bleaching. Whether you’re concerned about your skin or the coral, finding the right sunscreen will ensure you protect your skin in the best way possible.
Most of all, make sure to apply sunscreen in the morning and every 2-4 hours after that. If you’re at the beach or sweating a lot, you might want to re-apply more often to keep your skin protected.
If you’re fighting sun damage, give us a call today at (303) 761-7797 and we can schedule a consultation for you!
Posted in: Blog Post