Why Mineral-Based Sunscreens are the Best

When you’re trying to determine the best sunscreen to protect you and your family’s skin against the sun’s UV rays, it can be a little confusing. There are a few different types on the market, all with impressive, fancy-sounding names, however, the key question is, which sunscreen provides the best protection?

Do a little research into mineral-based sunscreens online and you’ll find there are also subtypes: pure mineral sunscreen, combined mineral and chemical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. We’ll take you through the different types of sunscreens and what type of protection each one offers.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens use a chemical-based approach to sun protection. Most of their active ingredients absorb into the skin in order to convert UV rays into heat, in turn protecting you from sun damage. Some of the oldest brands on the market are chemical sunscreens as they’ve been around quite a long time. They’re a tried and true way of sun protection, however, as more information is released about them, we’re learning they may not always be the best type of protection for certain skin types.

Since most chemical sunscreen ingredients are absorbed into the skin, they can cause irritation for people with sensitive skin, eczema or other skin conditions.

Pure Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens take a different approach to sun protection. Instead of absorbing into the skin to protect it from UV rays, the active ingredients in mineral sunscreens lay on top of the skin to bounce UV rays away from the body. Picture a thousand tiny mirrors reflecting light away from you.

There are two main active ingredients in mineral sunscreens. They are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Both are derived from minerals.

Zinc Oxide is a white-colored powder that’s been used medicinally for centuries. The Environmental Working Group, a non-partisan organization committed to protecting the health of both humans and the environment, suggests that Zinc Oxide is one of the safest sunscreen ingredients we have. Oftentimes you’ll find it as the only active ingredient in mineral sunscreens due to its outstanding broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Titanium Dioxide is also a white powder, but it was not widely used until the early 20^th century. It is most commonly used as a pigment. “Titanium White” paint is true to its name, often containing this mineral. It is highly effective at protecting against UVA or aging rays, stopping most of them before they reach your skin.

Some sunscreens like Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen’s Baby and Kids mineral sunscreens are made with both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

The Rosacea Society recommends using sunscreens with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Because these mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays, they help protect against heat, a common trigger for flare-ups.

The National Eczema Association also recommends mineral sunscreens because they are much less likely to cause irritation.

Mineral and Chemical Combined

If you can see benefits in both mineral and chemical types of sunscreens and you don’t have sensitive skin, there are sunscreens that combine both mineral and chemical active ingredients.

Active sunscreen and Sport sunscreen combine the broad-spectrum protection of Zinc Oxide with the enhanced water-resistance of chemical sunscreen ingredients. These sunscreens do not contain Oxybenzone or Octinoxate—two ingredients that are under scrutiny for their potential to cause damage to coral reefs.

Mineral-based Sunscreen for the Whole Family

Do a little research and browse through a comprehensive range of mineral-based sunscreens that have been designed to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection against the sun. When applying mineral-based sunscreen products, you have the absolute peace of mind of knowing that you and your family can safely venture out and enjoy the sun.

Thanks for reading. We’ll be back with more tips and advice about the safety of you and your family, again soon.