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May 26, 2022
Do you want to look older than you are?
Probably not. But that’s exactly what unprotected sun exposure does to you. If you’re serious about preventing signs of aging and skin cancer, wearing SPF every day is the single most important step you can take.
But it seems like lately there’s been a lot of misinformation, scaremongering, or just plain confusing jargon floating around about SPF on the internet. If you’re wondering how to make sense of it all, we’re here to help. Today we’re explaining the difference between chemical and physical SPF and what type is best for certain skin types and conditions, so that you can find the type that’s right for you.
Chemical SPF is called that because the active ingredient causes a chemical reaction. The active ingredient absorbs and converts harmful radiation into heat, which is then dispersed away from the body. Common active ingredients are oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate. These ingredients are often used in conjunction, so you may see several of those words on the SPF label.
It takes half an hour after application before chemical SPF starts working, so you have to plan in advance, and apply before you go into the sun.
Chemical SPF is good for people who don’t have sensitive skin, acne, or similar inflammatory conditions. And some chemical sunscreens are more irritating than others; for instance you may tolerate a formula with octisalate, but not oxybenzone.
Chemical SPF is great for those with dark or deep skin tones, as it applies sheer and does not leave a whitecast.
Physical SPF works by forming a barrier that bounces back harmful radiation from the sun. It’s also referred to as mineral SPF. The active ingredients are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are minerals mined from the earth.
Physical SPF is best for those with sensitive skin and/or acne. This is because the heat-based reaction that occurs with chemical SPF can be irritating. Physical SPF is also ideal for people who spend a lot of time outside–PE teachers, lifeguards, etc–who don’t have time to wait for SPF to start working. Once applied, physical SPF is effective immediately.
But physical SPF has one big downside: it can appear chalky on dark or deep skin tones, though formulations have improved significantly compared to ten or twenty years ago. Tinted physical sunscreens with added pigments can be a better choice for those with darker skin tones.
Many people opt for physical SPF during pregnancy/breastfeeding as a precaution because oxybenzone and other chemical SPFs are absorbed into the bloodstream. It’s theoretically possible that the baby could be exposed to these ingredients that way, but science on the subject remains inconclusive and unless you’re using lots of chemical SPF all the time, the amounts absorbed into the bloodstream are minimal. Physical SPF isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream. For this reason, many women opt for physical SPF while pregnant. We think it’s best to ask your obstetrician for advice if you’re concerned about what SPF to use.
Some formulas contain both types of SPF! So if you have a strong preference for one over the other, get familiar with the ingredient names and scan the ingredient list on a product before buying it.
We think the best sunscreen for you is one you’ll use every day. (Yes, we mean every day.) Your SPF is your best line of defense against premature aging and skin cancer. It’s the most important product in your entire routine. This is one product category where it’s worth trying several options until you find one you really love to use.
Whether you choose physical, chemical, or a hybrid, the most important things to look for are:
So now you know the difference between chemical and physical SPF and who should use each type. Remember, you only get one face–protect it with an SPF you like to wear, and you’ll be rewarded in the long run.
We’re waiting to hear from you! let us know how we can help!
Expect to recieve a response within the next 1-2 weeks.
Expect to recieve a response within the next 1-2 weeks.