In the realm of skincare, one golden rule reigns supreme: protect your skin. Embracing sunscreen isn't just a treat; it's a lifestyle choice that can revolutionize your skin. While the decision to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine is a simple one, navigating the choice between mineral and chemical sunscreens presents a more nuanced challenge. But don’t worry, we are here to help break it down. Let's explore the key differences between these two formulations, empowering you to make an informed decision for your skin.

What is Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral (also known as physical) sunscreens use powerful mineral ingredients that reflect and scatter sun rays away from the skin. Two primary active ingredients that can be found in most mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These minerals are naturally broad-spectrum, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which are known for their damaging effects like skin aging and sunburn. Unlike common sunscreens, mineral sunscreens can instead form a protective layer that sits on the skin's surface and begins to work immediately once applied. Compared to common sunscreens, mineral sunscreens act like a mirror and immediately reflect UV rays, unlike others, which require some time before sun exposure. There are many positive benefits to using our Daygleamer Mineral Sunscreen, the first being how gentle the non-comedogenic formulas are on the skin, typically a better match for sensitive skin types.

What is Chemical Sunscreen

When modern science meets suncare, you get a chemical sunscreen. Unlike mineral sunscreens that naturally sit on the surface of your skin barrier, chemical sunscreens act like a high-tech shield. Before the sun's harmful UV rays can cause damage, chemical sunscreens work to neutralize the sun and turn its UV radiation into harmless heat. A few common ingredients that can often be found in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone, and octisalate. These man-made ingredients are best known to target specific kinds of UV rays and are able to provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. When applied to the skin, chemical sunscreens work to absorb UV rays before they can cause potential harm to skin to create a protective layer and barrier to absorb energy when UV rays hit your skin. These rays are then converted into heat and released from your skin to avoid harsh sun damage. Chemical sunscreens are a popular pick for sun care due to their typically lightweight and blendable formulas that are often long-lasting and/or water-resistant, making them popular picks for a day at the beach or daily wear.

Differences Between Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens

Whether running errands or taking time for a self-care moment under the sun, wearing SPF should automatically be built into your daily routine. With so many products on the market, it might be hard to pick which sunscreen to use. We're breaking down the SPF noise and sharing the main differences to consider when deciding between a mineral and chemical sunscreen to help you better find the right fit.

While both mineral and chemical sunscreens offer sun protection, there are distinct differences between the two that can influence their direct performance based on the formulations. As we learned earlier, mineral sunscreens contain two main active ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, that block and reflect UV rays. Unlike mineral sunscreens, chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat through ingredients like avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone, and octisalate.

Lastly, Well People's new Daygleamer Mineral Sunscreen is pregnancy-friendly for our loving moms and parent-to-be. Reaching for a gentler sunscreen option is encouraged for pregnant women as the ingredients from a mineral sunscreen remain on the skin's surface.

Well People Day Gleamer Mineral Sunscreen

We're here to reassure you that, yes, in fact, you do need to wear SPF daily. After all, friends don't let friends get UV damage, and ICYMI your SPF routine called, and it wants the Well People Daygleamer Mineral Sunscreen included. The Mineral Sunscreen serum has an SPF of 34 and features a lightweight formula that is EWG Verified®, of course! We took our time when formulating this mineral sunscreen because we knew it was essential to not only protect your skin from the sun, but we wanted to ensure it would nourish and enhance the skin. This mineral sunscreen features key ingredients such as an Antioxidant-Rich Oil Complex (Vitamin E, Squalane, Argan Oil, and Bisabolol), Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, and Aloe Leaf Juice. Its unique blend hydrates, brightens, and shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. A few extra reasons to love this mineral sunscreen include its unique serum texture that blends seamlessly onto the skin making it a makeup-friendly base or final step of your skincare routine! Additionally, this non-comedogenic, pregnancy-friendly formula is silicone-free and safe for daily use, and suitable for sensitive skin. This skincare powerhouse makes a perfect addition to your routine that provides sun protection, hydration, and a boost of radiance no matter the time of year.

FAQs:

What's the difference between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to form a physical barrier that reflects UV rays, while chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like avobenzone and octinoxate that absorb UV rays before the can cause potential harm to skin.

Should I apply moisturizer or sunscreen first?

When it comes to the order of application between mineral sunscreen and moisturizer, it's generally recommended to apply moisturizer first, wait a few minutes, and then apply sunscreen last. Putting on physical sunscreen after you've moisturized ensures you don't reduce its effectiveness.