Pros & Cons: Physical vs Chemical Sunscreen

 Hey my Lovies 

Welcome Back 😀

I'm sure ya'll know the impotance of wearing sunscreen everyday, but did you know there is another factor you should be paying attention to? 

I live in the Caribbean, so sunscreen is an important step in my routine whenever I leave my house. I tend use what is easily accessible to me, not paying too much mind to the ingredients but more to the SPF spectrum which must be SPF 30 plus, you get me. I recently discovered that there are two tyoes of sunscreens; physical and chemical. 

Want to know more about it? 

Let's get started!!

Physical Sunscreen

Physical sunscreen creates a barrier on the skin that reflects UV rays. This occurs due to the active mineral based ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Physical sunscreens are often called sunblocks. Physical sunblocks sits on top of the skin to scatter UV rays that damage the skin.

Pros: 

  • Broad Spectrum, protects against both UVA ( longer wavelength associated with skin aging) and UVB ( shorter wavelength associated with skin burning)
  • Less likely to cause  irrtation of skin
  • Less likely to clog pores ( great for acne prone skin)
  • Protected from sun as soon as applied, no waiting period
  • Longer shelf life
Con:
  • Easily rinsed, sweated and rubbed off: Frequent application
  • White film on skin: Not suitable for darker skin tones
  • Thicker in consistency, harder to spread into skin

Chemical Sunscreen. 

Chemical sunscreens absorbs into the skin followed by the absorption of UV rays. The rays are converted into heat and releases from the skin and scattered. Chemical sunscreens are occassionally called organic sunscreens. These sunscreens conatain oxybenzone, octinoxate, ostisalate and avobenzone,  a whole lotta names we know nothing about.

Pros:

  • Thinner, spreads easily on skin
  • less product required for protection
Cons:
  • Can cause irritation
  • Effective after 20 minutes 
  • Can clog pores, increase breakouts
  • More ingredients required for UVB & UVA protection


Here are some options you guys can take a look at

Physical Sunblocks


Botanical SPF 50 Mineral Lotion                                          Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide



Chemical Sunscreen



      


  Aveeno Protect + Hydrate                                          Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch


Hey lovies I hope you liked this post and it was beneficial

Thanks my Lovies 

Catch you in the next one

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