Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: Which One Should You Choose?
Spring is already here and the sun will soon start to do its magic by bringing us good experiences & vitamin D. This is why, at least in the Northern Hemisphere we wait for those spring and summer months sooooo much.
Sadly sun brings us also some truly unfortunate side effects, like a specific portion of ultraviolet (UV) light called UVB. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and even skin cancer in the worst-case scenario.
That's why we need to protect our skin. And the protector who can do that is sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen SPF products are highly effective and offer a great user experience, with various SPF ratings to suit different needs.
In this article, we will explain why sunscreen is a skincare essential and why it is something to offer to your customers this summer season! Soothing aloe vera, known for its calming properties, is often included in these sunscreens to cater to sensitive skin. Accordingly, we will outline the difference between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen.
And a little spoiler - we don’t really like chemical sunscreen.
Here is WHY!
Introduction to sunscreens
Sunscreens are an essential part of our daily skincare routine, providing protection against the sun’s harmful rays. There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, converting them into heat and releasing them from the skin. On the other hand, mineral sunscreens, which contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface to reflect UV rays.
Mineral sunscreens are a popular choice for those with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation. When choosing a sunscreen, it’s essential to consider your skin type and tone, as well as the level of protection you need.
What is the difference between mineral sunscreens vs chemical sunscreen?
The main difference between the two products is their ingredient list, effect and protection processes.
Formula
Mineral sunscreens are formulated with natural mineral filters such as zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Mineral based formulas provide a physical barrier against UV rays, are generally safe for the skin, and are particularly suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, making them a preferred choice for sun protection.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are allowed in the certified cosmetics and skincare products. Selfnamed SPF30 product includes zinc oxide. The ingredients help to reflect and protect the skin from the UVA and UVB rays.
Synthetic sun creams use chemical compounds that are made in the lab. There are many complex and hard-to-read ingredients that will do the job and provide protection from the sun.
Function
The mineral sun cream forms a protective layer that helps to reflect the sunlight away from the skin. It helps to reflect both - the UVA and UVB rays!
Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, turns the sunlight into heat because the sunscreen is absorbed by the skin. Making them potentially more irritating and not suitable for sensitive skin. The SPFs either protect from UVA or from UVB rays.
The protecting process for synthetic sunscreen is chemical, but for the mineral sun cream it is physical process.
How long mineral and chemical sunscreens work
Mineral sunscreens provide protection as long as they remain on the skin, offering long-lasting coverage. It's still suggested to reapply the sunscreen every once in a while to make sure you get the best possible coverage, especially if you're being active and sweating a lot.
In contrast, chemical sunscreens break down with sun exposure and need to be reapplied approximately every two hours to maintain their effectiveness.
Going back to SPF 30: it provides high protection because it reflects the UVA and UVB rays. UVA radiation is what helps the skin to age faster and creates wrinkles. UVB is the one that causes burns. Additionally, ingredients like zinc oxide have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and regulate sebum production.
Zinc oxide is the responsible ingredient that helps protect the skin and forms a protective layer without penetrating the skin or causing irritation, making it a favored choice for consumers concerned about both environmental impact and skin health.
However, zinc oxide lightens the skin because it is white, therefore the added tint of SPF helps to blend with the skin color. SPF helps to moisturize the skin because it contains omega-rich sea buckthorn and hyaluronic acid.
Best sunscreen for different skin types
Different skin types require different types of sunscreens. For example, oily skin benefits from a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen that won’t clog pores, while dry skin requires a moisturizing sunscreen to prevent dry patches.
Combination skin, which has both oily and dry areas, needs a balanced sunscreen that won’t exacerbate either condition. Sensitive skin, including acne-prone skin, requires a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreen to minimize the risk of irritation.
For those with darker skin tones, a tinted formula can help avoid the dreaded white cast, while fair skin tones may prefer a non-tinted formula. It’s crucial to choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type and tone to ensure effective protection and comfort.
Broad spectrum protection
Broad spectrum protection is essential for preventing skin cancer and premature aging. UVB rays cause sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing aging and long-term damage. A broad spectrum SPF of at least 30 is recommended to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, provide broad spectrum protection and are often preferred for their gentle and non-irritating properties. When choosing a sunscreen, look for the words “broad spectrum” and “SPF 30” or higher to ensure you’re getting adequate protection.
Selfnamed approach to creating sunscreen
Selfnamed only sells mineral sunscreens that are ECOCERT COSMOS Certified. This means they meet strict international standards for organic and natural cosmetics, ensuring that every formula is environmentally friendly, safe for your skin, and free from harmful chemicals.
As our sunscreens are made with mineral filters, it is a challenge to achieve formulation that is pleasant to use and that doesn’t leave a white cast. This product interacts with the skin's surface to provide optimal protection. That's why the production of our sun care products has taken many years to create!
Currently, in our catalog we have:
To understand how the mineral sunscreen works and protects the skin, it is better to compare it with the chemical sunscreen. Also, it's important to understand how to combine our sunscreens with other day-to-day skincare products to get the biggest benefits!
Sunscreen application tips
Applying sunscreen correctly is crucial for effective protection. Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin 15-30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin, about one ounce or a shot glass full. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to often-overlooked areas like the ears, nose, and lips.
For mineral sunscreens, which can sometimes leave a white cast, use a little elbow grease to rub it in thoroughly. Consider using a moisturizer or makeup primer that contains SPF for added protection. Remember to choose a water-resistant sunscreen if you plan to be in the water or sweat heavily. By following these tips, you can enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin from damage.
How to combine and apply
As a base before sunscreen with or without tint, choose and apply any moisturizing face cream of your choice. It can be a Light Moisturizing Day cream or Anti-Age Day cream! Really, it's up to your preferences.
For additional protection, Antioxidant Ginkgo Gel Booster can be applied to the skin! The booster helps minimize the damage caused by free radicals and protect the skin from pollution or other environmental factors.
At the end of the day, Micellar Cleansing Water or Gentle Cleansing Milk can come in handy, when removing the Sunscreen SPF and rinsing it off with water.
A summary or the Sunscreen SPF main benefits:
Mineral sun creams contain natural mineral filters like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, while synthetic sun creams use chemical compounds made in the lab.
Mineral sunscreen reflects both UVA and UVB rays, while chemical sunscreen turns sunlight into heat and only protects from either UVA or UVB rays.
Mineral sunscreen provides long-lasting protection, while chemical sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours.
SPF 30 mineral sunscreen provides high protection against aging and burns, and contains omega-rich sea buckthorn and hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin.
How to start your own skincare line using Selfnamed
Selfnamed is here to help create your own skincare line by making the process as simple and seamless as possible. As soon as you decide on your ideal customer and product range, there are only a few simple steps to take:
Select product sample sets. You can choose from more than 30 high-quality, organic or natural certified skincare products made in Northern Europe.
Add your style. Selfnamed offers an easy-to-use design studio to create labels and packaging. You can work with pre-made print-ready templates or create your design from scratch. You can also choose our design service.
Start selling your products. There are no minimum orders, meaning you can easily adjust the volume to your needs.
Before making a custom order, we recommend looking at our sample set selection. These sets contain curated product lines for different skin types letting you choose the best products for your brand. This way you can test the products - their consistencies, textures, fragrances, as well as packaging quality.
These are the basic steps on how to start a skincare line from the comfort of your home. Best of luck with your new endeavour!
