Did you know that mineral sunscreen acts as a shield to deflect the sun's rays? It’s counterpart, chemical sunscreen, absorbs the sun’s rays turning them into heat to be released by the skin. While both can be formulated to be reef safe, there are some other things to take into consideration when choosing your sunscreen!
Mineral Sunscreen:
- Made with the naturally occurring minerals zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Although these minerals are known for the infamous white cast they leave on your skin, there are plenty brands making mineral sunscreen use seamless!
- Mineral sunscreen is typically better for sensitive skin; zinc is beneficial in the treatment of acne and skin irritations due to its anti-bacterial properties. It is also known to help with anti-aging through tissue damage repair.
- In addition, this sunscreen is ready to fight the rays immediately, no need to wait for it to absorb!
Chemical Sunscreen:
- Made with oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate.
- NOT REEF SAFE: Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
- Chemical sunscreens are usually more sweat and water resistant if used properly- they need 15-30 minutes to fully soak into the skin before they are effective.
- Although some chemical sunscreens can be formulated with ingredients catered to acne clients, the chemical components are not naturally occurring and can be harsh on sensitive skin.
- Because they don’t contain white powdered minerals, (i.e. zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) chemical sunscreens tend to rub into the skin fully.
As skincare professionals here at Bhava Beauty and Wellness, we like to find products that work for our clients. We encourage you to come into the store if possible and try samples of our SPF choices! If that isn’t an option for you, here are our estheticians’ skin types, their favorite sunscreen and why.
Lauren “Lou”🌿
- Skin type: dry/dehydrated, dull, prone to congestion
- Favorite Sunscreen: Forah Everyday Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
- Sunscreen Type: Mineral
- Why: Beautiful ingredients (antioxidant rich, soothing oils, and collagen supporting), dewy radiant finish, blue light protection, *Free of: chemical UV filters, preservatives, emulsifiers, silicones, nano-particles, micro-plastics, animal derivatives, animal testing, phthalates or parabens
Madalyn “May”💆🏼♀️
- Skin type: combination, acne prone, dehydrated
- Favorite Sunscreen: Jane Iredale Amazing Base Powder Refillable Brush SPF 20
- Sunscreen Type: Tinted, Powder, Mineral
- Why: Easy reapplication, keep it in my car to reapply to face and hands when driving, throw it into bag for hiking and easy on the go makeup touch ups
Whitney🧚🏻
- Skin type: dry, sensitive, prone to irritation
- Favorite Sunscreen: Kari Gran Essential SPF 30
- Sunscreen Type: Mineral
- Why: Silky smooth finish, doesn’t leave a white residue despite being a mineral sunscreen, waterless (full of moisturizing properties)
PSA: Remember to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours!!!
Much love from Bhava Beauty and Wellness
xoxo