The difference between Physical and Chemical Sunscreen Gel
If you are planning to get a new sunscreen gel for your skin, then stop for a second! Do you know there are two types of sunscreen? Yes, you may order the wrong one.
Today in this article I will tell you the two types of sunscreen - physical and chemical sunscreen. The main difference between them:
In This Article- Why use Sunscreen Gel
- Mineral Sunscreens
- Chemical Sunscreens
- Difference Between Mineral Sunscreen Gel and Chemical Sunscreen Gel
- To effectively protect your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays, a sunscreen should ideally contain 2 essential elements
It is to protect your skin from harmful rays of the sun that can cause many skin problems. Skin decides like skin cancer, tanning, sunburn, and many more.
No one wants to look old for our age, and sun rays make you look older.
We have already talked many times about, why sunscreen is important. If you want to know, you can read here: Why Use Sunscreen Gel
Mineral SunscreensMineral sunscreens Gel act as protection deposited on the skin. It is a so-called "physical" filter because the cream stays on the skin's surface and this is what prevents UV rays from penetrating the epidermis.
Mineral sunscreens are the only ones that can be certified organic. In terms of active ingredients, we find mainly zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Some mineral creams contain nanoparticles, which make their texture more pleasant and easy to apply. However, these nanoparticles can irritate more sensitive skin types, so avoid them if this is your case.
Chemical SunscreensChemical sunscreens Gel are the more "traditional" ones that we can easily find in stores. They work with chemical filters (often oxybenzone) that penetrate the acne-prone skin to absorb UV rays.
Studies are not yet formal, but certain ingredients that are often found in the composition of these creams, oxybenzone, in particular, could be endocrine disruptors or carcinogens.
We, therefore, prefer to direct you towards mineral and more natural options, containing quality and organic ingredients. Note that chemical sunscreens can hurt the protection of coral.
Difference Between Mineral Sunscreen Gel and Chemical Sunscreen GelPhysical sun protectionHow does it work?The inorganic ingredients in sunscreens act as a shield and reflect and scatter UV rays to the skin's surface.
IngredientsFor example:
- Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (minerals)
- More safety, because the ingredients in physical sunscreens are not absorbed through the skin.
- Softer on the skin, less risk of sensitivity or irritation.
- This offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- This offers immediate protection, upon application.
- Mineral sunscreens have a sad reputation for leaving an ash white appearance when applied, especially on dark skin.
Organic sun filters absorb UV radiation and deactivate it by converting it into heat, which they then wick away from the skin.
IngredientsFor example:
- Octocrylene - Organic UVB absorber
- Methoxydibenzoylmethane - Organic UVA absorber
- Generally easier to apply top of the skin.
- Due to their thinner and more transparent formulation, chemical sunscreens do not leave an ash white film.
- This offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- It is necessary to wait about 20 minutes after application for the protection to be active.
- Potentially harmful chemical ingredients can be absorbed through the skin and increase the risk of damage from free radicals.
- Additional Antioxidants - UV exposure activates free radicals in the skin. It is, therefore, useful to opt for a sunscreen containing antioxidants. These powerful free radical scavengers help minimize the damaging effects of UV rays that penetrate sunscreens and filters.