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You’ve read it on the labels as “Chemical” or “Mineral”. But what does that mean? Is one better than the other? Which one blends in well? Which one leaves a white cast? Today, we’re going to deep dive into each sunscreen and learn about each, and which one is most likely the better option.

Mineral sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen, is a type of sun protection that uses mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to block and scatter harmful UV rays from the sun. Unlike chemical sunscreens that work by absorbing UV rays, mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface to reflect and deflect the sunlight.

One of the advantages of mineral sunscreen is that it provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields against both UVA and UVB rays. It is also generally considered to be gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin or those prone to allergies.

Another benefit of mineral sunscreen is that it has an immediate effect upon application, as it does not need time to be absorbed into the skin. It is effective right away, providing reliable protection against sunburn.

However, it’s worth noting that mineral sunscreen can sometimes leave a white cast or appear slightly more visible on the skin compared to chemical sunscreens. Nonetheless, many mineral sunscreens nowadays are formulated to minimize this issue, offering more sheer and lightweight options.

Overall, mineral sunscreens are a popular choice for those seeking a natural and physical way to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

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Chemical sunscreen, also known as organic sunscreen, is a type of sun protection that uses chemical compounds to absorb and convert UV rays into heat on the skin. Unlike mineral sunscreens that create a physical barrier, chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation before it reaches the deeper layers of the skin.

Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients such as avobenzone, octinoxate, or oxybenzone, among others. These ingredients work by forming a chemical reaction when exposed to UV rays, which helps to reduce the amount of radiation that penetrates the skin.

One advantage of chemical sunscreen is that it can provide a more lightweight and cosmetically elegant application. It tends to blend in better with the skin, making it less likely to leave a white cast or appear visible.

However, it’s worth noting that some individuals with sensitive or reactive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain chemical sunscreen ingredients. Additionally, chemical sunscreens require some time to be absorbed into the skin before they can effectively protect against UV rays.

It’s important to choose a chemical sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to select a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 for optimal protection.

Ultimately, the choice between mineral and chemical sunscreen depends on personal preferences, skin type, and any specific skin concerns or sensitivities. Personally, I prefer mineral sunscreen because it doesn’t contain avobenzone, octinoxate, or oxybenzone, which have been found to be carcinogens. However, if you don’t like the white cast, I recommend using a beauty blender to blend in the sunscreen.

My favorite mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast is the Hello Bello Baby SPF stick. It’s easy to apply, and there are no fears about it being a carcinogen. You can find it here! https://amzn.to/3D5CJpq

So what do you use? leave a comment down below and share what you use. and what your favorite products are! If you are new to sunscreen check out my blog post on 5 reasons you need to wear sunscreen! https://thewellnessaesthetics.com/2023/07/04/why-sunscreen-is-crucial/

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