The Importance of Sunscreen: Why Mineral Formulations Are the Way Forward

Sunscreen is a vital component of our daily skincare routine, and for good reason. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage from the sun’s rays is responsible for around 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 80 percent of signs associated with skin aging.

The Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Formulations

Chemical-based sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s rays and transforming them into heat, which is then dissipated back out. However, these chemicals can lead to hormonal imbalance and have a negative impact on marine life. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, use zinc oxide and titanium oxide to deflect UV rays away from the skin, providing highly effective UVA and UVB protection.

The Benefits of Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens offer several benefits over chemical-based formulations. They provide:

• Immediate coverage, whereas chemical blockers take around 15 minutes to stabilize.
• Environmental friendliness and gentleness on the skin.
• The ability to be applied more frequently and after getting wet, making them ideal for active individuals.

Decoding Labels and Ingredients

When it comes to mineral sunscreens, the key ingredients to look out for are:

• Zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which offer protection against UV rays.
• Marigold, which can protect against blue light.

If you suffer from redness or rosacea, look for a noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free mineral sunscreen.

Types of Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens come in a variety of forms, including:

• Lotions
• Sticks
• Sprays

While lotions and sticks are more targeted, sprays can be a bit trickier to apply. To get the best coverage, spritz the spray into your palm and then rub it onto your skin.