Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen: What’s the difference?

Wearing sunscreen is an everyday essential here in Australia. Morning or evening, summer or winter, wearing the right sunscreen for your skin is an important part of every skincare routine, to help you maintain healthy, youthful and glowing skin. But when it comes to choosing the right sunscreen for you, it’s important to understand the types of sunscreen available and whether physical sunscreen (also known as mineral sunscreen) or chemical sunscreen is going to give you the protection you need.

Not wearing sunscreen or not using it correctly is linked to a myriad of skin and health problems, the scariest of which is of course melanoma skin cancer. Continued exposure to the sun, even if you are not at the beach every week, can lead to hyperpigmentation or sunspots, dryness, irritation and premature ageing, causing unnecessary wrinkles on your skin. So the sooner you start wearing sunscreen, the better!

We’re answering all your sunscreen queries in this blog – what types of sunscreens are there, benefits of chemical sunscreen vs physical sunscreen, and the best types of sunscreen for your face and skin type. Keep reading for a 101 on all things sunscreen to help your skin stay supple and smooth (and sunburn-free!) this summer.

What are the different types of sunscreen?

There’s such an array of sunscreen options on the market – you’re no doubt wondering which sunscreen is best for your face, your body or if you have sensitive skin, which one will give you the ultimate sun protection without damaging your skin, or what’s the difference between the different types of sunscreen?

There are 2 broad categories of sunscreen – physical (or mineral) and chemical.

First things first – all physical and chemical sunscreens in Australia have one key job – shielding your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. They’ll both get the job done – just in very different ways.

What is chemical sunscreen?

Hearing the words ‘chemical sunscreen’ might immediately make you ask ‘Is Chemical sunscreen bad?’, ‘Are the chemicals in sunscreen harmful?’ or ‘Do chemical sunscreens make my skin oilier and more prone to irritation?’.

Please know that just because it says chemical in the name, does not necessarily mean it is harmful to your skin. Using sunscreen is only going to benefit you in the long run as long as you know how to use them in the right scenarios.

Chemical sunscreen is composed of active ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene and homosalate. This type of sunscreen doesn’t block UV light – it allows it be absorbed by the skin. Once penetrated, these chemical sunscreen ingredients react with the light and convert it into heat which escapes from the skin, and you stay protected against the harmful effects of the sun.

They are pretty much invisible on the skin, are not easily washed off especially for people who engage in activities like sports and swimming every day, and thus are convenient to use.

What is physical (or mineral) sunscreen?

Mineral or Physical sunscreen, on the other hand contains fine minerals like Titanium Oxide or Zinc Oxide that sit on the skin’s surface to create a protective layer and reflect and absorb UV rays from entering your skin.

Since they physically ‘block’ harmful UV rays of the sun from penetrating into your skin barrier, they are also commonly known as sunblock. These ingredients are recognised as safe and are therefore much preferable for those who want to avoid long term exposure to chemicals regardless of their lifestyle and skin type.

Chemical sunscreen vs mineral sunscreen – which one is best for you?

This is a subjective question that considers multiple factors. What sunscreen is the most effective for you depends on what you do, how much exposure you have to the sun every day, and your specific skin type and prior conditions.Let’s look through each of them individually and then you can compare and decide which option you should go for.

The formulation

Chemical sunscreen is generally more popular because it is light on the skin and is barely noticeable after application. However, it takes time for it to become active. Generally, you need to apply chemical sunscreen at least 15-20 minutes before stepping out in the sun. Chemical sunscreens may also protect the skin from UV radiation for longer periods of time than physical sunscreens do, depending on the activities you’re undertaking.

Mineral sunscreens start working right away, creating a layer above your skin (thanks to the included Zinc or Titanium Oxide), which acts as an instant protection barrier –­­ meaning you don’t have to wait for it to start working. They can also be applied on top of makeup or your moisturiser and will still work effectively. However, since the ingredients tend to sit on the skin, this type of mineral sunscreen for the face might appear as a thin white film which might not be preferable for some. It can even result in breakouts in some people.

Your skin type

Physical sunscreen is better suited for sensitive skin, especially for those with preexisting conditions like acne, rosacea or pigmentation. This is also because mineral sunscreen ingredients don’t clog the pores or dissipate heat and don’t usually irritate the skin.

Chemical sunscreens may aggravate conditions like melasma and allergic reactions in certain people, so it is important to consult your skin expert if you have any specific skin issues before starting to use a chemical sunscreen.

Your lifestyle

Both chemical and mineral sunscreens need to be reapplied for it to stay effective – particularly if you have an active lifestyle involving the outdoors. Physical sunscreen might wash off when you are swimming or planning to get sweaty in the sun. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen tends to be more resistant to sweat and water but still needs to be reapplied due to the chemical ingredients degrading with prolonged exposure to the sun.

The environment

Physical sunscreen ingredients – Zinc oxide or Titanium dioxide – are kind to your skin and the environment and are recognised as safe for use in sunscreens by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA).

However, some active substances in chemical sunscreens can be harmful to marine life and coral reefs. These types of sunscreens are also banned in some tourist destinations to protect the natural diversity of the region.

Our recommendation of which sunscreen you should use

Bottomline – some sunscreen is ALWAYS better than no sunscreen. The final call on which sunscreen to pick depends on your lifestyle, skin type and personal preferences. No matter which sunscreen you choose, make sure that it offers broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF value of 30 or higher.

We always suggest using a face sunscreen daily, to ensure you’re keeping your skin protected no matter what the day throws at you. If you’re looking for something that will also help brighten your skin with a subtle tint, we suggest the Lira Clinical SPF Solar Shield 30 Classic Tint, which is perfect for sun protection that also nourishes and repairs your skin. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating sunscreen and if you’re worried about sunscreen making your skin more oily try an oil-free option.

Remember to enjoy the sun, responsibly! Keep shining and have a happy summer.

The Skin Manifesto’s team of medical aesthetic professionals specialise in skin health and cosmetic beauty solutions, helping you look after your skin, reduce signs of aging and give you clinically-proven results. The Skin Manifesto is the leading skin clinic in Miranda, New South Wales, servicing the community of Sydney’s southern suburbs and beyond. Treat yourself to the skin you deserve by booking a treatment today.