Chemical Sunscreen vs. Mineral Sunscreen: What's the Difference?

Regular Sunscreen uses a chemical reaction to absorb UV light, convert it into heat and release it from the skin, with ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate.

Mineral Sunscreen creates a physical barrier to block UV rays, with ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Regular Sunscreen

• Must be applied 15-20 minutes before sun exposure
• Active ingredients penetrate the skin
• May irritate sensitive skin
• Disappears into the skin completely

Mineral Sunscreen

• Provides sun protection immediately
• Active ingredients sit on the skin
• Well-tolerated by sensitive skin, including babies
• Typically leaves a white cast on the skin

Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 which blocks 97% of UVB rays.

SPF 50 provides 1% more protection and SPF 100 provides 2% more protection.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

• UVB rays cause sunburns and surface changes like wrinkles
• UVA rays cause aging and deeper skin changes

Regular Sunscreen Protection

Choose a Broad-Spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Mineral Sunscreen Protection

Use zinc oxide to protect against UVA and UVB rays.

Use titanium dioxide to protect against UVB rays.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Sunscreen protects against sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer.