If you have been shopping for sunscreens you have probably noticed some are labelled mineral and wondered what the difference is. Mineral sunscreens essentially work by creating a block to UV light, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin to convert UV light to heat. The active ingredients in these two types of SPFs is the easiest way to distinguish between them. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, while chemical sunscreens rely on avobenzone and oxybenzone.
IS MINERAL OR CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN BETTER?
While both types of SPFs offer sufficient protection from the Sun. Mineral sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists as the best option for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, babies and toddlers. Not only is it less likely to cause irritation, the lack of chemicals in the mineral sunscreen formulas are also seen as better for the environment. Even if you are not swimming in the sea, showering after wearing chemical SPF, means microparticles still make their way through the water ways into the ocean, which can contribute to coral reef and marine life damage.
WHAT IS THE HEALTHIEST SUNSCREEN TO USE?
In addition to being safer for the environment, dermatologists recommend mineral SPF as being the healthiest sunscreen to use. Because the active ingredients sit on the skin’s surface to create a shield, no chemicals are absorbed into the body. Spooge’s collection of all-screens are ideal for wearing every day as not only are their formulas mineral, they are also non-comedogenic, and packed full of skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and vitamin E. We recommend always having a tube of Spooge’s Ghosted Mineral All-Screen on hand as it blends into skin like a dream as it is both oil-free and lightweight. Suitable for all skin types it also contains bisabolol to soothe and calm skin and reduce redness.