The difference between Physical and Chemical Sunscreen Gel

Posted by dermaessentia on February 6th, 2021

If you are planning to get a new sunscreen gel for your skin, then stop for a second! Do you know there are two types of sunscreen? Yes, you may order the wrong one. 

Today in this article I will tell you the two types of sunscreen - physical and chemical sunscreen. The main difference between them:

In This Article

• Why use Sunscreen Gel
• Mineral Sunscreens
• Chemical Sunscreens
• Difference Between Mineral Sunscreen Gel and Chemical Sunscreen Gel
• To effectively protect your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays, a sunscreen should ideally contain 2 essential elements

Why use Sunscreen Gel

It is to protect your skin from harmful rays of the sun that can cause many skin problems. Skin decides like skin cancer, tanning, sunburn, and many more.

No one wants to look old for our age, and sun rays make you look older. 

We have already talked many times about, why sunscreen is important. If you want to know, you can read here: Why Use Sunscreen Gel

Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens Gel act as protection deposited on the skin. It is a so-called “physical” filter because the cream stays on the skin's surface and this is what prevents UV rays from penetrating the epidermis.

Mineral sunscreens are the only ones that can be certified organic. In terms of active ingredients, we find mainly zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Some mineral creams contain nanoparticles, which make their texture more pleasant and easy to apply. However, these nanoparticles can irritate more sensitive skin types, so avoid them if this is your case.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens Gel are the more “traditional” ones that we can easily find in stores. They work with chemical filters (often oxybenzone) that penetrate the acne-prone skin to absorb UV rays. 

Studies are not yet formal, but certain ingredients that are often found in the composition of these creams, oxybenzone, in particular, could be endocrine disruptors or carcinogens. 

We, therefore, prefer to direct you towards mineral and more natural options, containing quality and organic ingredients. Note that chemical sunscreens can hurt the protection of coral.

Difference Between Mineral Sunscreen Gel and Chemical Sunscreen Gel

Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVBTo effectively protect your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays, a sunscreen should ideally contain 2 essential elements

• Additional Antioxidants - UV exposure activates free radicals in the skin. It is, therefore, useful to opt for a sunscreen containing antioxidants. These powerful free radical scavengers help minimize the damaging effects of UV rays that penetrate sunscreens and filters.