Eat, breathe, and apply sunscreen! Sun protection is the Holy Grail of skincare and over the past few years, the spotlight on SPF and all its benefits has only been getting brighter. A few decades ago, finding sunscreen without that ghastly white cast was rare (and almost non-existent, especially for those with deeper skin tone). The choice was simple: stay unprotected or resemble a cricket umpire in the middle of a scorching pitch. Obviously, the former was never an option (at least for some). Thankfully, the significance of sunscreen grew stronger and today, we are spoiled for choice with two different types, physical and chemical. So what is the difference between physical and chemical? We will break it down for you.
What is physical sunscreen?
Physical sunscreen, aka mineral sunscreen, is what you’d define as the ‘typical’ skin care product you’d reach out to for sun protection. The formula contains ingredients that ‘physically’ protect your skin. Picture this: you’ve applied sunscreen, so now imagine an invisible shield forming a layer on your skin. This shield bounces off any UVA and UVB rays, preventing them from penetrating through the layers of your skin.
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The reason why they’re also referred to as ‘mineral sunscreens’ is because they are formulated with minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, both of which provide you with a broad spectrum protection. It sits on the skin rather than getting absorbed into it (hence…shield). They also bounce off those UVA rays that penetrate through your windows, even when you don’t step out of the house.
Fun fact: Zinc oxide is often found in sunscreens for children. This is also what makes it safe to use on sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Is physical sunscreen for me?
Sounds almost perfect, doesn’t it? Well, here’s the catch. Due to the ingredients present, physical sunscreens can leave your skin with a white cast, and the formulas don’t quite blend well. But it’s not as bad as the kind you’d get probably 20 years ago, many brands that are available in the market try to combat this major issue.
Secondly, a lot of physical sunscreens aren’t waterproof, which means rain, heat and sweat (which is a totally normal phenomenon for our Indian weather) can melt your sun protection away too. While this just means you need top-up regularly, it’s important to read the label before investing in a sunscreen, in case you’re doing activities that involve a lot of heat and/or water.
Who: All skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin
What is chemical sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreen is skincare’s innovative baby and works quite differently from its physical counterpart. While the aim is the same—to serve and protect your skin—the manner in which chemical sunscreens do it varies. Physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin while chemical sunscreens get absorbed into the skin. This absorption allows the formula also to absorb the UV rays before they get a chance to soak into the layers of skin, kind of like a sponge. Key ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate, all of which indicate that it’s a chemical sunscreen.
Physical sunscreens may be an obvious choice for many, but chemical sunscreens, too, are picking up pace rapidly. This is because chemical sunscreens do not create a film or layer on the skin and are perfect for skin types that tend to get oily or sticky easily. They are non-tacky, apply smoothly like any other moisturiser, are lightweight and don’t leave you with a white cast either.
Is chemical sunscreen for me?
Depending on the ingredients and whether they are FDA-approved, chemical sunscreens are safe to use on the skin. However, due to their potency, they can be rather irritating for those with sensitive skin. These ingredients are known to trigger irritation, inflammation, and redness, and increase sensitivity, especially for those dealing with conditions like rosacea or eczema. Therefore, those with sensitive skin should steer clear of chemical sunscreens.
Who: All skin types except sensitive skin
