PHYSICAL VS. CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN
When it comes to sunscreen, it is very important you know the different types of sunscreen before heading out in the sun and what you are applying on your body. the two most common types are a physical and chemical based sunscreen. This article will break down the differences between the binary sunscreens.
Physical sunscreens
Physical sunscreens create a barrier against harmful UV radiation instantly without having to wait a specific time frame before going into the sun. Physical sunscreens are further beneficial than a chemical sunscreen as chemical based sunscreens absorb and scatter the UV rays into the skin and physical sunscreens deflect harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin.
There are different kinds of physical sunscreens, some more beneficial than others and generally with a price point over $50 for a reliable protection barrier, physical sunscreens are not cheap. Physical sunscreens usually minimize any harmful ingredients being absorbed into the skin and maximum protection against UV radiation, with containing mineral based ingredients. Mineral based ingredients include; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that block and deflect the UV rays. As physical sunscreens work by sitting on top on the skins surface, it is important they you are reapplying regularly for maximum protection.
Some beneficial factors of a physical sunscreen include:
· Offers 100% protection from harmful UV radiation.
· Skin is instantly protected once applied.
· Safe to use on children and pregnant women.
· Suitable for people with sensitive skin and/or people who suffer from skin conditions such a rosacea.
· Has a long shelf life.
· Can be used as an everyday sunscreen to areas exposed to the sun more frequently.
· Prevention and reduction against skin cancer.
Although there are some beneficial factors, you must take into consideration there are also some cons. Such as:
· Texture is thicker than a chemical sunscreen, will require more effort to rub into the skin.
· Can sweat, rinse and rub off. Making sure you are reapplying more consistent to insure you have maximum protection whilst being in the sun.
· Some can make the appearance of your skin to have a sheer layer of whiteness sitting on top.
· A generous amount needs to be applied to be completely effective.
Chemical Sunscreens
What makes a chemical sunscreen different to a physical sunscreen is they contain chemical elements that absorb the UV rays. This includes formulas such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinpxate and octisalate. These chemical compounds change the UV rays into heat, making it harmful to your skin.
Using chemical sunscreens can increase your chances of skin cancer typically over a number of years of using it. You may think it is helping you being protected from the sun, however in truth it is essentially doing more harm than good. Don’t be fooled by the SPF protection rate on chemical-based sunscreens, if it is below $50 price point it is not fully effective in protecting you against the sun.
Some slight beneficial factors from a chemical sunscreen include:
· Cheaper to buy
· Less product is needed to cover your skin.
· Thinner consistency, easier to spread on the skin using less effort to apply.
However, you must take into consideration the cons of a chemical based sunscreen. These include:
· Have to wait 20 minutes or over before it is effective from going into the sun
· Can cause irritation to people with sensitive skin.
· Can clog pores causing an increase to breakouts for people with acne prone skin
· More ingredients are required to produce a sunscreen with a higher SPF protection against UVA and UVB rays, which include more chemical compounds being absorbed into your skin.
· UV rays still penetrate and scatter within the skin, defeating the purpose of protection.
Therefore, it is more beneficial to purchase a physical sunscreen if you are wanting the best possible protection against harmful and damaging UV rays. Even though it is rather pricey, you are guaranteed 100% protection and you are not applying any additional harmful ingredients to be absorbed into your skin. If you are wanting a great physical sunscreen barrier at a reasonable price point, try the Dermalyana Ultimate Guard SPF50 physical sunscreen stocked in the Skin Scan clinic Whitfords at $79 for 75ml. It is a recommended everyday physical barrier to be used on the skin parts exposed to the sun on a daily basis. That includes, your face, neck, hands, feet and arms.
The main Ingredients that make this physical sunscreen a great option is:
· Cetearyl Glucoside: A sugar-based emulsifier that promotes moisture retention in the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth
· Zinc Oxide: Tiny particles that sit on top of the skin providing a protective layer which reflects harmful Ultraviolet rays. Suitable for sensitive skin, it also helps your skin retain moisture.
· Cetostearyl Alcohol: Provided moisture by soothing and healing dry skin.
This sunscreen also includes anti-aging properties, and is not suitable for children. It is Australian made, paraben and cruelty free. Before purchasing your next sunscreen, look for the right ingredients and make sure it will not cause you any further harm.
If you or your family are worried about Skin Cancer, Call 08 6117 6300 or Visit Skin Scan, Perth's premier Skin Cancer clinic. Shop 41 Whitfords Shopping Centre.
Comments