March 09, 2022
If you readThe 7 Biggest Skin Care Mistakes Of Your 20's you already know that I ranked skipping out on sun protection as numero uno when it comes to skincare sins.
The truth is, sun protection is essential at any age regardless of your skin's issues or condition. We've all heard sun protection is a must a bazillion times, but finding the right sun protection for your skin can be a challenging and frustrating test of patience and willpower.
Not all sun protection is created equal (there is a difference between sunblock and sunscreen) and what may be sufficient for our bodies may not work for our face.
Here, I'll attempt to demystify the difference between the two types of sun protectionwhich are mineral and chemical sunscreens and the pros and cons for each to take some of the guess work out of finding the right SPF for you.
Physical sunblock refers to sun protection formulated with mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Once applied, these minerals work by sitting on top of the skin and physically blocking and reflecting UVA and UVB rays by scattering and deflecting them away from the skin like a mirror (hence the termsunblock). Physical sunblock or sunscreen is also referred to as mineral sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens contain carbon-based ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinate, octisalate, and avobenzone. These compounds protect the skin from UVA/UVB rays by causing a chemical reaction that converts these rays into heat (literallyscreening them) and then releases this heat from the skin.
Unlike physical sunblock or sunscreen, chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and the skin and it will absorbs the UV rays into the skin, convert the UV into heat and radiate it from the skin.
in 2021, recent research that shows the octocrylene SPF filter converts into a carcinogen in the body and remains in the body longer than expected. While other chemical sunscreens are probably better to use than nothing, I would avoid using ones that contain octocrylene for the moment and switch to a different sunscreen.
Now that we're all caught up on the differences between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen the question of which to choose remains.
This is a tough one and one I can't answer for you because there are so many choices out there. We all have different concerns, sensitivities and skin types and sun protection is not one size fits all.
I recommend that you use your best judgment based on the information above when it comes to picking between them, and do a patch test before jumping in face first.
Purchase a product from a store with a generous return policy so that you're not stuck with a product you don't like or that causes irritation, dry patches, breakouts etc. It took me quite awhile to find the products I felt worked with my skin the best.
After doing a lot of research on the topic, I've found that the general consensus is that not one type is better or more dangerous than the other, contrary to popular belief.
The Defender Mineral Sunscreen
The defender - A non greasy and light Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen with an aloe vera base, peptides and blue passionflower. $49 at Banish.com
Chemical Sunscreen
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+, price varies
Use the SPF in your makeup to touch-up your sun protection. Don't use your makeup as your only SPF protection as the SPF in makeup is not adequate to fully protect your skin!
Make SPF application the last step in your skincare routine but before makeup application. Generally speaking, your sun protection will be moisturizing enough that you don't need to apply moisturizer. If you really need to moisturize, use a water based moisturizer or try using a moisturizing primer after your sun protection has been applied.
Always wait 10-15 minutes between layers to ensure everything is absorbed before you add the next layer.
Stay between 30 and 50 SPF. There is no scientific data to show that SPF above 50 protects from UVA/UVB rays at a higher rate.
Wear SPF even in the winter, if you're in a car or by a window, and when it's overcast. Just because you don't see the sun doesn't mean that it's rays are less harmful.
Don't forget your ears and neck!
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SunKiss FZ LLC
October 27, 2022
the information you have updated is very good and useful, please update further.