Mineral or Chemical SPF – which one to choose

With temperatures rising and the summer heat in full swing, beauty and skin routines need to change. Skin needs moisture in every season. In summer, a lightweight moisturizer is great because it locks in moisture. An important thing to remember when it comes to summer skin care is sun protection. Sunscreen is not a seasonal product. All dermatologists and experts recommend applying sunscreen year-round. But when it comes to summer and hot weather, SPF is a must. With so many different options on the market, even when it comes to SPF, you might be wondering which sunscreen to use. The choice largely falls between mineral and chemical sunscreens.

Experts explain that mineral sunscreens use UV blockers. It acts as a physical barrier and clings to the skin. Therefore, it reflects UV rays from the skin. These types of sunscreens often contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens are made up of chemicals. These chemicals are absorbed by the skin. When absorbed, they also absorb UV light and create a chemical reaction. This reaction converts UV light into heat, which is then emitted by the skin. Chemical sunscreens contain a combination of two to six ingredients, such as oxybenzone, octoate, avobenzone, octisalat, octocrylene, and persalicylate.

With such qualities and advantages, it is impossible to clearly distinguish and distinguish whether one is better than the other. Both sunscreens protect the skin from UV rays. However, distinctions can be made based on skin type, skin condition, makeup application and lifestyle itself.

Here's how to make the best choice based on your skin needs:

Sensitive skin

For sensitive skin, certain ingredients may cause the skin to be prone to additional dryness, redness or conditions. In this case, it is best to use a mineral sunscreen. It contains fewer preservatives and alcohol-based products than chemical formulas. Sensitive skin is best to stay away from chemical sunscreens that can cause irritation.

Acne-prone skin

There is a common misconception that generally acne-prone skin should stay away from SPF. This is absolutely not true. There are definitely sunscreens that can clog pores and make the condition worse. Therefore, the best and most recommended option is to opt for a mineral sunscreen. That's because it contains non-comedogenic zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

When choosing the best sunscreen, you should always choose the type you are actually wearing. So if you have normal skin, you can safely use chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens are the best option for skin types with specific conditions.