In recent years, physical sunscreens have become more popular as people have become more aware of the potential dangers of sunscreens. Sunscreen is the simplest and most effective form of protection from the sun. But it’s hard to find the right one. It is imperative to consider many things when choosing a sunscreen, like the quality, ingredients, SPF, finish, suggested usage, etc. Learn more about the benefits of physical sunscreens and how they can help protect you from the sun’s harmful rays.
What Is a Physical Sunscreen?
So what is physical sunscreen? Sunscreens can be broadly divided into two types: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting sunlight away, while chemical sunscreen absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation and converts it into heat.
Physical sunscreens are often preferred over chemical sunscreens because they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. They also tend to be more effective at blocking UV rays, making them a good choice for people who are very sensitive to the sun.
How Does Physical Sunscreen Work?
Physical sunscreen works by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting the sun’s rays away from the body. In other words, it acts as a barrier between your skin and the sun.
Physical sunscreen has two primary ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide provides better protection against UVA rays, while titanium dioxide offers better protection against UVB rays. These ingredients work together to reflect UV rays away from the skin and provide broad-spectrum protection.
When choosing a physical sunscreen, choose one that contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for the best protection against both types of UV rays.
Pros and Cons of Physical Sunscreen
As stated above, physical sunscreens are often made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, both natural minerals. They provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Physical sunscreens are also less likely to irritate the skin than chemical sunscreens. However, they can be more challenging to apply evenly and may leave a white cast on the skin.
Chemical sunscreens are typically made with synthetic ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octinoxate. They are more lightweight and accessible to spread on the skin than physical sunscreens. However, they can irritate some people and may not provide as much protection against UVA rays.
These sunscreens are ideal for sensitive skin, as they provide a barrier between your skin and the sun’s harmful rays. If you’re looking for a physical sunscreen, opt for a branded sunscreen with a decent SPF to stay protected from the sun all day long.
