5 months ago
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If you prefer mineral sunscreens over chemical sunscreens, this guide will help you choose the best option for you. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, are free of chemicals that may be harmful to your skin -- especially if your skin is sensitive or irritable. While the zinc oxide in mineral sunscreen has been found by the US Food and Drug Administration to be safe and effective, recent studies have raised concerns about ingredients found in chemical sunscreen: oxybenzone, homosalate and octocrylene. These studies, however, take into account large amounts of these ingredients, while chemical sunscreen uses only small amounts. Regardless, if you're concerned about the differences between mineral versus chemical sunscreen, or you don't want chemicals in your sunscreen at all, finding the best mineral sunscreen (with the ideal SPF) is the way to go.
Mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide to create a physical barrier on the skin. For this reason, experts find that mineral sunscreens may be more effective in protecting your skin from sun damage.
Mineral sunscreens may not be the best for all skin types, but if you're well informed on what aspects of sunscreen may irritate your skin, you can make the best choice.
Dry skin: Use mineral sunscreens that contain natural, moisturizing ingredients including aloe leaf juice, pomegranate seed oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil or various fruit extracts. Sunscreen can be added on top of moisturizer or on its own, depending on how dry your skin is.
Oily skin: Make sure to use mineral sunscreens that are oil free. Powder sunscreen might be the best, depending on how oily your skin is. If you choose a liquid or creamy mineral sunscreen, look for products that say noncomedogenic on the bottle, meaning it won't clog pores.
Acne-prone skin: As with oily skin, pick sunscreens that are noncomedogenic, oil free, fragrance free, paraben free and irritation free. Thick mineral sunscreen often sits on the skin and clogs pores, so choose a lightweight or liquidy sunscreen.
Sensitive skin: I also have sensitive skin. I look for sunscreens that have minimal ingredients and are, first and foremost, free of fragrance. It also helps if the sunscreen is dermatologist tested, oil free, paraben free, irritation free and noncomedogenic.
