Hi, it’s Chelsi Oestreich and my question of the moment is… how did we get here? I feel like yesterday was New Year’s Day and now Memorial Day is already here. Now that we are back to “normal”, its time to fire up the grill, invite friends over, and have some real fun in the sun. But if you have read my beauty posts in the past, you know that I love the sun only when I am doused in a good SPF. The number one aging agent on this planet is exposure to the UV rays given off by our beautiful sun.
First, let’s dive into the different types of sunscreens and their ingredients that make them effective. I’m sure you have heard talk of mineral vs chemical sunscreens, but what’s the difference? First up…mineral sunscreens. This type of SPF uses Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to physically block the UV rays. Remember that lifeguard who used to cover his nose with a white cream? That was a mineral sunscreen that is normally thicker, a little harder to absorb, and has more of a white cast on the skin.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, allow UV light into the skin. Once the light is absorbed into the skin, the chemicals in the sunscreen (which can be a mix of oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate) create a chemical reaction in which UV light is converted to heat, and the heat dissipates from the skin. Super sciency stuff.
Which is better? Well….it depends. Because mineral sunscreens are thicker, they can clog pores and cause breakouts. However, they are better for children and those with sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens are more lightweight and apply clearer on skin, but some reports have shown the chemicals can get into the bloodstream. The same reports say that doesn’t mean they are unsafe, but the scientists agree that the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays can far outweigh the absorption of the chemicals into your bloodstream.
So really, it is up to you. For me, if I’m at the beach and using a lot of SPF throughout the day, I am going to reach for a mineral sunscreen. However, if it is a daily, lighter application, I put on a chemical based sunscreen that works better under makeup and still gives me the protection I need.
Here are a few of my favorites in each category so you can choose the best one for you…
Mineral SPFs
Chemical SPFs
Mineral or chemical, the choice is yours. What isn’t up for discussion is the use of SPF – it keeps your skin healthy, younger looking, and certainly keeps skin cancer out of the conversation. Comment below with your favorite SPF!
