Most of us are pretty good about lathering up the SPF before hitting the beach, but did you know it’s an important part of our everyday skincare routine? We know sunscreen is important, but with so many options out there on the market, how can we be sure which one to choose? Should you apply sunscreen before or after makeup? Is there a difference between mineral vs chemical sunscreen? Which type of sunscreen is better? We’re covering all these questions and more in this article.

 

Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?

Chemical and mineral sunscreens differ in one key area: how they protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

 

What Are Chemical Sunscreens?

Chemical sunscreens use- you guessed it!- chemicals to filter out UVA and UVB rays from penetrating and harming our skin. The most common chemical active ingredients found in chemical sunscreen are octinoxate, oxybenzone, and avobenzone. These chemicals essentially act as little sponges on your skin, absorbing the UV rays from the sun before they actually reach your skin. 

 

Pros of Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens come with their own set of benefits, including that they’re easy to apply and don’t leave any white streaks on your skin. Chemical sunscreens are also lighter and can be used under your makeup and are often even found in some cosmetics. You can also find many different daily moisturizers that boast an SPF of 15 or higher, so that’s like two beauty birds with one stone. 

 

Cons of Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that can irritate the skin and make chronic skin conditions like rosacea flare up. Chemical sunscreen also takes a minimum of 20 minutes to work after application, so spraying it on and immediately swimming isn’t doing you any good. 

What are Mineral Sunscreens?

On the other end of the sunscreen spectrum are mineral sunscreens, which use a more natural means of protecting your skin. You’ve probably heard the term “mineral sunscreen” thrown about in recent years from natural skincare brands. As you might suspect, mineral sunscreen is one that uses the benefits of minerals to form a protective barrier from the sun onto your skin and keep it safe from sunburns and damage. Common minerals used in this type of sunscreen include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Mineral sunscreen is proven to be just as effective as chemically-derived sunscreen, but is far less popular with consumers. 

 

Pros of Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens are touted as being safer than chemical sunscreens because they don’t expose the skin to harsh chemicals. For that same reason, mineral lotions are better for people with sensitive skin, young children, and those with certain skin conditions like melasma. Another pro is how quickly mineral sunscreen offers protection. Compared to chemical sunscreen, which takes 20-30 minutes of absorption time, mineral lotions start working immediately. 

Cons of Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen is a thicker, paste-like protective and can cause skin issues for people prone to acne or oily skin. Mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin and leaves that dreaded white-nose appearance thanks to its zinc oxide and titanium dioxide primary ingredients. Mineral sunscreens also need to be applied more frequently than chemical sunscreens.

 

 

How to Add Sunscreen To Your Skincare Routine

We all know how important our skin health is, and keeping skin safe from the sun’s damaging effects is a huge part of the skin’s overall health. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to incorporate sunscreen into your skincare routine thanks to products containing SPF ingredients. Here is a sample of how to add sunscreen into your skincare routine that you can start using today:

 

Step 1: Wash your face

Make sure you’re washing your face twice a day– once in the morning and once before bedtime. If you’re prone to super dry skin, you may want to stick with one wash per day. You can use our Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser to lift away old makeup and detoxify your face.

 

Step 2: Gently exfoliate 

Exfoliate at night (but not too often). You can aim for a 2x weekly exfoliating sesh for silky smooth skin. Try using a gentle exfoliator as too much exfoliating can do more harm than good, so don’t go too crazy.

 

Step 3: Apply a hydrating serum

Serums (like our Tasmanian Spring Water Splash Serum) have so many benefits, but make sure to follow the directions to know when to apply and how often. Some serums are designed specifically to be used at bedtime or as part of a morning skincare routine.

 

Step 4: Lather up with a high-quality moisturizer

In the morning, use a moisturizer with at least an SPF 15 to keep your skin soft and safe. It’s such an easy way to add sunscreen to your skincare routine.

 

 

The Bottom Line 

Whatever the type, slather on sunscreen every day to keep your skin safe and fight off signs of aging. Both chemical and mineral sunscreens are effective ways to help protect your skin from harsh UVA and UVB rays. Choose your preferred type based on the ease of use and your skin health. You can’t really go wrong taking steps to keep your skin healthy, and using sunscreen daily will not only help you prevent sunburns, but it will also help curb premature aging. Daily sunscreen use (even in cold months) will help protect your skin from cancer-causing exposure to excessive sunlight.  

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