Should You Be Using Mineral Or Chemical Sunscreen? We Got Dr. Reddy To Break It Down

 

I think I’m going to be saying this for the 15672th time in my life- you must apply sunscreen every day. Let 2021 be the year that you actually stop making excuses like it’s winter, it’s cloudy, and that you aren’t stepping out of the house. The reality is that using sunscreen should be a part of your routine when you’re stepping out of the house and even when you’re indoors to really protect yourself from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. 

If you’re confused as to which kind of sunscreen should you be using, we’ve got Dr.Varshini Reddy M.D.Dermatology, Aesthetic Medicine from iS Clinical India to make you understand the nitty gritties of this essential product. 

What Are The Different Types Of Sunscreens Available?

 

First of all, you need to understand that the sun emits ultraviolet rays, and as much as you love soaking in its warmth, the sun can cause severe skin damage. UVA rays or ultraviolet A rays are long waves from the sun that penetrate deep within the skin and cause long-term issues like age spots, wrinkles, and even cancer. UVB rays or ultraviolet B rays are short waves that cause sunburn and tanning. So, to protect yourself from these, sunscreen is a must-have product.

Now, you’ve got to understand that there are two types of sunscreen- mineral, and chemical and we’re explaining what the difference between these two are and which ones should you be using.

What Are Chemical Sunscreens?

 

“Chemical sunscreens are variants that mainly use chemical filters to protect against UVA/UVB rays. They absorb the UV light and give it out in the form of heat energy. The common chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, and octinoxate”, says Dr Reddy. 

These basically don’t leave a white cast on the skin and sit really well under makeup. They’re also perfect if you want to slather on the product before working out or swimming. So, next time you go for a run, apply some chemical sunscreen beforehand to really protect your skin. 

Suitable For: Sensitive skin

 

The Extreme Protect SPF 30 provides great protection from harmful UV rays and is packed with antioxidants to mitigate oxidative solar damage.

 

The Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ offers protection against the sun while leaving it feeling invisible and weightless on the skin. It gets absorbed into the skin quickly and gives you a matte finish. It is also non-comedogenic which means it won’t clog your pores.

What Are Mineral Sunscreens?

 

Dr Varshini Reddy further elaborates that mineral sunscreens are also known as physical sunscreens. These sit on top of the skin and physically deflect and scatter the UV rays. They contain ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Most of these leave a white cast on the skin and can be difficult to be absorbed into the skin. However, now many brands are making matte and tinted options too that will give you a shine-free and light coverage. One thing to note is that it’s important to reapply these because they can get easily washed away during workouts etc.

Suitable For: Acne-prone skin, people with rosacea

 

The Eclipse SPF 50 + is an advanced physical sunscreen that is made with zinc oxide and pure Vitamin E. It’s water-resistant and gives the skin both UVA and UVB protection.

 

The Re’equil Sheer Zinc Tinted Sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen with a slight tint that blends in well with Indian skin tones. This tinted sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast and even protects the skin from free radicals.

 

We’re sure that after reading this you’ve promised yourself that you’re going to be using sunscreen every day whether it’s mineral or chemical. If you are intrigued by the iS Clinical India products, you can find them at dermatologist’s clinics or you can totes slide into their DMs and place your orders.

Till then, look after your skin, it deserves all the love!

Featured Image: Instagram