What Your Skin Needs: Chemical vs Physical Sunscreen?

You might be asking what are the differences between chemical and physical sunscreens when they look almost the same and seem like both offer almost the same protection to the skin. While scientific studies support wearing sunscreen on a regular basis so you protect your skin against cancer, choosing which sunscreen fits you will be dependent on your decision based on your liking. 

UVA rays have long-term aging effects and cancer effects on the skin. UVB rays are the ones that burn. Your goal with wearing sunscreen should be to protect yourself down the road from aging and skin cancer, according to Dr. Jodi Ganz, M.D., Piedmont Dermatologist.

According to Dr. David Harvey, M.D., a Piedmont dermatologist, and Mohs surgeon, if a patient wears an SPF of 30, choosing either chemical or physical sunscreen is just fine. However, there are still differences between the two. Each option has its own unique pros and cons, and knowing the difference can save your skin this summer and beyond.

Sunscreen plays a key role in protecting your skin from the sun. When you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, it can:

1. Reduce your risk of developing skin cancer

2. Prevent sunburn

3. Decrease signs of aging on your skin

So whatever sunscreen you choose after reading this blog, I highly recommend that you do not skip out on wearing sunscreen daily because by doing that, you are not doing your skin any favor! 

Source: Google

CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN

Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing the sun's rays. They contain one or more of the following active ingredients, oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate. These chemicals change UV rays into heat, which is then released from the skin and scattered.

These are the formulas commonly found at drug stores. It absorbs deeper layers of skin and provides protection using ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone to block UVA and UVB rays. These sunscreens tend to be easier to be absorbed by your skin without leaving a white residue so they don’t rub off as easily. This means they are formulated with a lightweight, non-sticky feel that is ideal for daily wear. 

Many people are hesitant about using chemical sunscreens because of claims that the ingredients could be harmful or cause cancer. However, the studies surrounding the effects of these ingredients have not been proven as they often involve lab animals being exposed to or fed far larger quantities than you would ever experience by just applying regular sunscreen. 

It is essential to protect against both types of ultraviolet rays, as lack of protection over time can lead to deterioration in the skin cells, irreversibly damaging the DNA, and potentially leading to the development of skin cancer.

What are the Advantages of Chemical Sunscreens?

1. Less product is needed to protect the skin.

2. Easier to use with other products like peptides and enzymes, giving you a skincare boost in a single product.

3. Thinner and spreads on the skin like a lotion, making it ideal for daily use.

PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN

Physical sunscreens are sometimes called sunblocks. They use mineral-based ingredients, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, to block UV rays. Physical sunscreens work by staying on top of the skin to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin.

Traditional mineral sunscreens would leave a thick, white film on the skin. But, modern formulas go on silky smooth without leaving behind any white residue. These sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, compounds that sit on the surface of the skin and physically block out UVA and UVB rays. They don’t absorb into the skin like other formulas, they’re more gentle and less irritating.

What are the Advantages of Physical Sunscreens?

1. Less likely to irritate sensitive skin and better for those prone to heat-activated skin conditions such as rosacea.

2. Offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

3. Safe for use on babies and during pregnancy.

4. Your skin is protected from the sun as soon as it’s applied; no need to wait before heading outdoors.

5. Physical Sunscreen has a longer shelf life.

6.         Can be better for people with oily skin or prone to acne.

With all these being said, both sunscreens are safe to use, and regardless of what kind of sunscreen you choose to use, the most important factor is that you use it regularly. However, we are highly recommending that you try our water-resistant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 44 physical sunscreen as this will not only protect your skin but will also have a moisturizing base and leaves a sheer, universal tint that will even make you forget about putting on your make up! This is a great option for even the most sensitive skin types so hurry and get your very own Tinted Moisturizer SPF 44 through our shop at https://shopocfc.com and see the glow in your skin when you apply it in no time!