A healthy, safe summer begins with the right sunscreen, and finding the best one for your skin starts with understanding the difference between physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens – and knowing which one is right for you.
Physical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreens physically cover your skin, blocking it from contact with the sun by deflecting harmful UV rays. These sunscreens, also known as sunblock, are made up of active mineral ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Pros:
Works as soon as it’s applied
Gentle on sensitive skin
Safer for babies and pregnant women
Provides both UVA and UVB protection
Longer shelf life
Cons:
Is easily rubbed or rinsed off
Frequent application is required
More difficult to rub in
Feels heavier on skin
Needs to be heavily applied for maximum effectiveness
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens, or organic sunscreens, absorb the sun’s rays through a chemical reaction created by organic compounds, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and avobenzone.
Pros:
More water resistant
Stays on longer
Lighter and more absorbent
More forgiving if you miss a small section of skin
Cons:
Must soak in for 20 minutes before it will be effective
May irritate sensitive skin and eyes.
May clog pores
Which one is right for you?
Finding the right sunscreen largely depends on your skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition such as rosacea, you may find chemical sunscreens too irritating. You may have to try a few sunscreens before you find the perfect one that offers both protection and comfort, but the search will be well worth it once you do. If you can handle both chemical and physical sunscreens, you could try a combination sunscreen, which use both physical and chemical ingredients to offer a range of protective properties. When purchasing sunscreen, choose one that is fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, oil-free, paraben-free and at least SPF 30. Your sunscreen should also offer broad spectrum protection, or protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
The regular application of sunscreen is one of the simplest ways you can work to prevent skin cancer, as well as conditions like premature aging, sun spots, dry skin and more. Learn more about how you can stay safe and prevent illness and disease on our BHealthy Blog, or request an appointment with one of our expert dermatologists if you need more guidance in finding the right sunscreen for your skin.