With numerous facial moisturizers containing SPF on the market, choosing the best sunscreen for your skin can be overwhelming.
Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreens:
Sunscreens are available in two broad categories: Physical/Mineral vs. Chemical. So what’s the difference?
- Mineral sunscreens: Sunscreens containing ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are essential for protection from both UVA and UVB. These mineral ingredients sit on the top layer of the skin and rather than absorb, they deflect UV rays from entering the skin.
- Chemical sunscreens: On the other hand, chemical sunscreens which contain organic compounds such as oxybenzone and avobenzone absorb UV rays as they attempt to enter the skin.
How do I know if a sunscreen is 100% Mineral?
Sunscreens marketed as “mineral” may also contain chemical ingredients and are not considered “purely” mineral. The key to broadband UVA and UVB sun protection is to look for mineral-only sunscreens that contain ingredients such as titanium dioxide or iron oxides, like Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50.
What are the benefits of tinted sunscreens?
Many tinted sunscreens contain iron oxides which provide the ‘tint’ in the tinted products. So you may be asking why is iron oxide important when it comes to skincare?
La Roche Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen provides broadband coverage as it contains titanium dioxide and iron oxides, protecting your skin from both UVA and UVB harmful rays. This tinted mineral sunscreen also is recommended for those with dry, sensitive and/or acne-prone skin as it is non-comedogenic and has a lightweight formula ideal for applying over other skincare topicals. So despite having a tint, this sunscreen is tested to not clog pores while still providing coverage.
All in all, mineral sunscreens provide coverage against UVA and UVB. When it comes to choosing a mineral sunscreen, looking for iron oxide to add the extra protection with an added tint in the sunscreen is beneficial for your overall skin health.
References:
1. Adamson, Adewole S., and Kanade Shinkai. "Systemic absorption of sunscreen: balancing benefits with unknown harms." Jama 323.3 (2020): 223-224.
