Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical one?

Question

Hello doctor,

I would like to know the benefits of using mineral sunscreen. What is a mineral sunscreen? How does mineral sunscreen differ from chemical sunscreen? What are the biggest benefits of using mineral sunscreen? What should you look for in a mineral sunscreen if you want to ensure you are getting a formula that is going to be both protective and cosmetically elegant? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Sunscreen is an agent that protects the skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. The sun, especially UVB (ultraviolet B) radiation, is more harmful.

Sunscreen is of two types. Physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen or sunblock. Mineral sunscreen is another name for physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreen physically blocks the sun's ultraviolet radiations, and chemical sunscreen absorbs UV radiations and chemically disperses them. Physical sunscreens are zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and iron oxide. They are cosmetically unfavorable because they have to be applied thickly and evenly so they are visible on the applied skin, whereas chemical sunscreens like octocrylene, etc., are not visible.

Mineral sunscreen gives better protection than chemical ones. They reflect UV light, whereas chemical sunscreen absorbs light and has a higher chance of photoallergy and contact dermatitis. Mineral sunscreen is better in this regard. Various cosmetics use these mineral sunblock ingredients.

I hope this helps.

Please revert back in case of queries.

Thank you.