Have you ever wandered down the sunscreen aisle at the store, only to be completely overwhelmed by the different types and options available? One type that has been gaining popularity in recent years is mineral sunscreen. But what exactly is the difference between mineral sunscreen and traditional sunscreen, and why does it matter? In this blog post, we'll dive into the lowdown on mineral sunscreen, exploring its unique characteristics and benefits. From its natural ingredients to its environmental impact, you'll learn everything you need to know to make the best choice for your skin.
When it comes to protecting our skin from harmful UV rays and overexposure to blue light rays, sunscreen is a must-have product. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In recent years, there has been a growing concern over traditional sunscreens made with chemical ingredients that may have negative impacts on our health and the environment. This has led to an increase in popularity of mineral sunscreens as a safer alternative.
In this section, we will break down these two types of sunscreen and discuss the potential concerns associated with each. Firstly, let's define what exactly are mineral and traditional sunscreens. Mineral sunscreen uses physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays off of your skin’s surface whereas traditional sunscreens use chemical filters such as oxybenzone or avobenzone to absorb UV radiation before it reaches deeper layers of your skin.
The main difference between these two types lies in how they provide protection against the sun – physical versus chemical. One of the most significant benefits of using mineral sunscreen is that it provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays without needing reapplication every couple of hours like traditional sunscreen does due to its stability under direct sunlight. It also works immediately upon application making sure you are covered from all angles when stepping out into the sun without having any adverse effects on marine life since they do not contain chemicals that could harm coral reefs.
Traditional sunscreens need to be applied about 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and, according to my research, are more water and sweat resistant. Instead of reflecting the sun's rays, it absorbs them and prevents them from getting into the deep layers of the skin. Many people choose traditional sunscreen because it is easier to apply, doesn't leave a white residue, and because they like the smell. But is it worth it?
Some traditional sunscreen ingredients have raised concerns due to their potential negative impacts on our health and the environment. For example, oxybenzone has been linked to hormone disruption and cell damage while octinoxate can contribute to coral bleaching. These chemicals often end up in water bodies through swimming or showering, harming marine life and disrupting delicate ecosystems.
Mineral sunscreens offer a safer alternative by using natural minerals (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) that are not absorbed into the skin. They are safer for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, and are reef safe. Zinc oxide is an active ingredient in many diaper rash creams, so your mineral sunscreen may come in handy as a topical treatment, should you ever need it! ;-)
Did you know that Clean Beauty by Joy's Flawless Finish Liquid Foundation contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide? While it's not recommended for long days in the sun, it's perfect for everyday protection against UVA and UVB rays, as well as blue light rays.
Here's even better news about using mineral sunscreen: there are now options available that apply more easily and don't leave your skin pasty white! Scroll down for my recommendations.
In conclusion, the difference between mineral and traditional sunscreen is not just a matter of preference but also a matter of health. Traditional sunscreens may contain harmful chemicals that can potentially harm our bodies and the environment. On the other hand, mineral sunscreens offer a safer alternative by using natural ingredients that protect your skin from premature aging and other harmful effects of UV rays. With this knowledge, it's important to pay attention to the ingredients in our sunscreen and opt for mineral-based options whenever possible. Our skin and overall health will thank us in the long run! So next time you're shopping for sunscreen, remember this lowdown on mineral sunscreen and make an informed decision for your well-being.
Joy's Sunscreen Recommendations:
1. Arbonne FunSun - I absolutely love how easy it is to apply and how well it works. And, if you're looking for a great after sun product, grab their Soothing Gelee as well! Amazing!
2. Lysere Protect + Prevent* - this is a perfect everyday facial sunscreen. Technically it can be used all over the body, but it's designed more for the face. Apply this as your last skincare step, before your primer and foundation.
3. doTerra Mineral Sunscreen - they offer a lotion, spray, stick, and daily sunscreen
*I will earn a commission with the purchase of the Lysere sunscreen.
Resources:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/chemical-vs-mineral-sunscreen-whats-difference/
https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/mineral-vs-chemical-sunscreen
https://savethereef.org/about-reef-save-sunscreen.html
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-does-sunscreen-protec/
