Lately I find mineral sunscreens have been becoming a lot of people’s sunscreen of choice. I have wondered, why? Mineral sunscreen is often known to potentially give a white cast and especially for someone with brown skin, what is the benefit of spending the time searching for the perfect mineral sunscreen when there are chemical sunscreens that apply clear and undetectable?
So what is the difference between the two?
Mineral sunscreen provides a layer of protection that sits on top the skin and repels the harmful UV rays. Its ingredients consist of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are what cause the white cast we often see with physical sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens do not repel the harmful UV rays. Instead they get absorbed into the skin and gets converted it into heat so the UVA and UVB rays do not affect the skin.
Now that we know the differences, what are the pros and cons of each?
Chemical sunscreens
Pros
No white cast
Longer time before having to reapply in comparison to mineral sunscreens
Cons
Potentially unsafe ingredients
May cause side effects for those with sensitive skin
May not be safe to use while pregnant
Takes at least 20 minutes for the protection to kick in
Mineral sunscreen
Pros
Made with safe ingredients
Protection is immediately provided on application
Cons
Potential white cast, although there are many currently on the market that don’t have a white cast
Have to reapply every 2 hours
No matter what you end up choosing, using a sunscreen is always beneficial. Not only does it slow down the effects of aging, but it also helps prevent cancer and sun burns.
If you want any sunscreen recommendations check out SPFs for dark skin.
XOXO,
Always Blushing
Always blushing 
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