Sun damage is the number one contributor to signs of ageing
on the skin. This makes wearing sunscreen on the daily an important step in
your skincare and one of the ways to stay protected from the sun to prevent you
skin against pigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines.
When shopping for sunscreen, you may come across the words
physical and chemical sunscreen and wonder what the difference between is the
two. We’re here to explain and help you select the best sunscreen for you.
Difference between chemical and physical sunscreen
The differences between sunscreens lie in the type of UV
filters used to make sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens use chemical, organic UV filters such as
homosalate and octocrylene, to absorb harmful UV rays.
Physical or mineral sunscreens used mineral inorganic UV
filters, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to absorb harmful UV rays.
Traditionally, the beauty industry differentiated the two by
describing that physical sunscreen block out or reflect UV rays and chemical
sunscreens absorb the UV rays and convert it harmless heat energy on the skin.
With technological advancements and scientific, this is wrong and in fact both
types of UV filters absorb UV rays and turns it into harmless heat energy, and
both also reflect a small percentage of UV rays.
But to make it easier for you to understand, physical
(mineral) sunscreens form a physical barrier that sits on top of the skin,
whereas chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the epidermis or outer layer of
the skin.
Which sunscreen should you choose?
The sunscreen you choose to put on your skin is personal preference and what you feel comfortable in. People with highly sensitive skin may tend to prefer physical mineral sunscreens as they won’t be absorbed into the skin. However, with physical sunscreens, they may feel less comfortable.
At SunGenix, we recommend you choose one that feels the most comfortable on your skin and choose one where you will wear SPF every day.
We love a good pro and cons list, so here is one for you as a quick guide:
PROs
CONs
Chemical Sunscreens
- Can be formulated to provide high broad spectrum protection
- Offers a more lightweight feel on the skin
- Non-stick and easy to layer with other skincare products
- Generally, need to wait 15-20 minutes for it to be absorbed into the epidermis
- Some people may be more sensitive to certain chemical UV filters
- The chemical filter, Oxyebenzone is proven to be harmful to reefs (but don’t worry, this is not used at SunGenix)
Physical Sunscreens
- Provides broad spectrum protection
- Non-absorbent ingredient so it is suitable for sensitive skin and babies
- Offers instant protection as it doesn’t require any time to absorb into skin
- Typically gives a white cast on the skin
- May clog pores
- Won’t provide long water resistance as it can be washed or rubbed off
- Generally, provides a greasy and thick texture
SunGenix Sunscreens
Currently all SunGenix sunscreens are made with chemical UV filters to give you that lightweight, non-sticky and moisturising feel on your skin. We want you to feel comfortable in the SPF you wear, so that you will wear it DAILY. Our lightweight and moisturising formula works perfect under makeup.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, and make sure you re-apply frequently in accordance with directions. Remember, sunscreen is only one component of sun protection so always wear a hat, protective clothing and eyewear when you’re in the sun.