What is the Difference Between Physical & Chemical Sunscreen?
Physical sunscreens work by deflecting or blocking the sun’s rays. They contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect the UV rays. These ingredients are usually in mineral form, such as zinc chloride or titanium dioxide. Inorganic sunscreens consist of molecules that absorb UV rays instead of reflecting them. They contain molecules like oxybenzone, octinoxate and avobenzone which filter out up to 97% of UV rays and help prevent sunburns and skin cancer. However, these chemicals can also penetrate the skin and have been found in urine samples from people who use sunscreen. There are concerns that the ingredients may harm coral reefs and sea life.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays before they reach your skin. They contain ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octyl methoxycinnamate to name a few. Chemical sunscreens reflect and scatter UV rays to protect your skin from the sun. They contain ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and salicylic acid. that are physically resistant to UV rays. At times these chemicals can get into your bloodstream and trigger allergic reactions or create free radicals. Zinc oxide-based sunscreens are the safest options and offer the most protection from both UVA and UVB radiation. Oil-based sunscreens may lead to breakouts, acne and rashes because the oil can clog pores and cause blemishes. Look for creams or lotions that are labeled “noncomedogenic” or “non-acnegenic” that have been tested on sensitive skin types.
What are the Pros and Cons of Physical Sunscreen Vs. Chemical Sunblock?
People have been using sunscreen for decades and in the past, there was only one type of sunscreen available. Nowadays, there are many different types of sunscreens and it can be difficult to choose which is best.
Physical sunscreens are made from natural ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunblock’s contain chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone that filter out UV rays by absorbing them in a chemical reaction.
Physical sunscreens offer better protection against UVA rays than chemical sunblock’s. They offer protection against both UVA and UV B rays. UVA rays are not covered by the FDA’s sunscreen safety standards keywords: physical vs. chemical sunblock, advantages of physical sunblock, pros and cons of chemical sunscreens Chemical sunscreen formulas offer superior protection against UVA rays than physical sunblock’s do. They are able to offer the same level of protection as that of SPF 30+ products, which is why they are still recommended for everyday use. Chemical sunblock formulas can be stored in your purse or on a small cooler. Chemical sunscreens provide better water resistant protection than physical sunblock formulas and can be applied more evenly, thanks to the fact that they are dispensed from a pump spray. Reapplication is not required as often with chemical sunscreens as they absorb into the skin better than lotions. Most chemical sunscreens provide more SPF protection than a regular sunscreen .
What Are the Health Benefits of Using a Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen?
It is important to choose a sunscreen that has the right amount of protection with minimal side effects. There are many benefits of using a chemical sunscreen like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and octinoxate. Chemical sunscreens are able to provide broad spectrum coverage and have a higher SPF rating than physical sunscreens. They also have fewer side effects like skin irritation and allergic reactions. Environmental factors can also affect how effective a sunscreen is. For example, the SPF of a sunscreen will be greater on cloudy days than sunny days because there is less UV-B.
Do I Have to Use Sunscreen?
Although highly recommended to help prevent wrinkles, sun damage and of course skin cancer the decision to use sunscreen is a personal one. Women, men and children over 6 months of age and older should be using sunscreen everyday. It is not just about how effective the product is, but also about what type of sunscreen you prefer and finding the perfect one that suits you.