Physical Sunscreens vs Chemical Sunscreens

Sunscreen is an essential product for protecting your skin from sun damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. But with so many options on the market, it can be confusing to know which type of sunscreen is right for you. The two main categories of sunscreen are physical and chemical. Understanding how they work and their unique benefits and drawbacks can help you make the right choice. The best way to find the perfect sunscreen is with your Baumann Skin Type, which you can find by taking the quiz for free today!

Why you need to use sunscreen

Sunscreen is your skin’s first line of defense against harmful solar radiation. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun causes damage to the skin over time in the form of sunburns, wrinkles, dark spots, or even skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB rays have risks. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing genetic damage that can lead to skin aging. UVB rays burn the surface of the skin, causing redness and irritation. For complete sun protection, you need broad spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB.

Sunscreen is like a shield to deflect or absorb UV rays before they damage your skin. Physical and chemical sunscreens perform this function in different ways. This article will explain the key differences, so you can make an informed decision about the best sunscreen for your needs. We’ll also cover what “broad spectrum” means and how to pick an optimal sunscreen based on your skin type.

What are physical sunscreens?

Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, contain active ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and a few other common metals that sit on top of your skin to physically block UV radiation. They reflect and scatter the light away from your body.

Because the active ingredients in physical sunscreens don’t absorb easily into the skin, they offer immediate protection that lasts as long as the product remains on your skin. The downside is that they need to be washed off. They are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Here are some of my favorite physical sunscreens:

How do Physical Sunscreens Work?

The minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in physical sunscreens work like tiny mirrors, deflecting UV light away from the skin. These thick and opaque minerals are too large to penetrate deeply into the skin, so they sit on the surface and act as a shield.

Physical sunscreen active ingredients remain stable when exposed to UV rays for longer than chemical sunscreen ingredients.

Benefits of physical sunscreen

Some of the benefits of physical sunscreens include:

Immediate UV protection that starts working as soon as applied

Stable in sunlight compared to chemical sunscreens

Less likely to irritate sensitive skin

Better for sensitive areas like around the eyes

Preferred for children’s delicate skin

Safe for pregnant women

Won’t break down over time and stop working quickly.

Lower risk of allergy

Safe for reefs

Safe for marine life

Organic forms are available

Shortcomings of Physical Sunscreens

While physical sunscreens have many advantages, they also come with a few drawbacks:

Can leave a colored film on the skin, especially in higher SPFs

More difficult to rub in completely

May be visible in hair and facial hair

May pile up when layered with other skin care products

Often not broad spectrum

What are Chemical Sunscreens?

Instead of sitting on top of the skin, chemical sunscreens are absorbed and work from within to protect your skin. Common active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include:

Avobenzone

Oxybenzone

Octisalate

Homosalate

Octocrylene

When applied, chemical UV fighting compounds penetrate the skin and absorb UV rays before they reach sensitive skin cells below the surface. The chemicals convert UV radiation into a small amount of heat that is released from the skin, allowing only a fraction of the rays to penetrate. In reality, most chemical sunscreens also contain mineral sunscreen ingredients for broader protection. Here are some of my favorite chemical sunscreens, some of which include mineral ingredients:

How do chemical sunscreens work?

When chemical sunscreen ingredients absorb UV light, the energy causes chemical bonds within the molecules to rearrange. These chemical reactions cause the sunscreens to quickly convert UV rays into safer radiation in the form of infrared light, or heat.

The energized chemicals release the excess energy as heat. This cycle repeats millions of times per second to continually protect the skin from damaging UV exposure.

Since the chemical components of sunscreen are activated and oxidized, chemical sunscreens need to be re-applied every couple of hours. Chemical sunscreens, like physical sunscreens, should be washed off at the end of the day.

Benefits of chemical sunscreens

Benefits of Chemical Sunscreens

There ae many types of chemical sunscreens and the benefits and risks depend upon the chemical sunscreen that is used.

Some advantages of chemical sunscreens include:

They absorb quickly into the skin without leaving color behind

More lightweight and less greasy

Easier to rub in completely

Less visible on the skin

May be water resistant

Often affordable and widely available

May have better UVA coverage

May be broad spectrum

Shortcomings of Chemical Sunscreens

Some potential downsides of chemical sunscreens to consider:

They can irritate sensitive skin more often

Absorption into bloodstream is possible in some ingredients

May cause allergic reactions in those with sensitivities

Some chemical compounds are not stable in long-term sunlight

Require time after application to bind to skin before fully effective

Can degrade in heat and sunlight over time

Some chemicals may interact with hormones

Often oily or greasy

May hurt reefs or marine life

Physical Sunscreens vs Chemical Sunscreens

Let’s recap the differences we discussed regarding physical sunscreens vs chemical sunscreens:

Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays before they can damage skin cells.

Physical acts as a shield sitting on the surface while chemical sunscreens penetrate into the skin to convert light energy into heat.

Physical sunscreens offer immediate protection while chemical sunscreens require 20-30 minutes after application to fully take effect.

Physical sunscreens may provide broad spectrum coverage with a limited set of active ingredients while chemical sunscreens need a mix of several chemicals to protect against the full UV spectrum.

Physical sunscreens often leave a tint on the skin while chemical sunscreens sink more thoroughly into the skin.

Physical sunscreens rarely cause irritation or allergies while chemical sunscreens have a higher risk of allergic reaction and interactions.

What Does Broad Spectrum Mean?

Broad spectrum on a sunscreen label means it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Here’s a breakdown:

UVA rays have longer wavelengths that penetrate deep into the dermis layer of the skin. UVA exposure causes skin aging, wrinkles, and dark spots.

UVB rays have shorter wavelengths that burn the outer layer of the epidermis. UVB exposure causes sunburns and DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.

Broad spectrum sunscreens contain active ingredients to filter both UVA and UVB light. For complete protection, it’s key to choose a formula with broad spectrum coverage.

Here are some of my favorite broad spectrum sunscreens:

Which sunscreen is right for you?

There are benefits to both physical and chemical sunscreens. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing:

Skin type: Those with sensitive skin may prefer physical sunscreens that contain fewer potential irritants. Chemical sunscreens work well for oily skin types since they aren’t as occlusive.

Activity: For outdoor sports and water activities, a water resistant chemical sunscreen may hold up better. Physical options are preferable for the eyes and other sensitive areas.

Aesthetic: If you don’t want to worry about residual color ruining your makeup, chemical sunscreens provide more invisible protection.

Ingredients: Avoid chemical sunscreens if you have skin allergies or prefer more natural products. Check chemical filters if you’re concerned about hormone disruption.

The best sunscreen is one you’ll use consistently. Look for a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher formula suited for your skin type and needs. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. Protecting your skin should be a priority.

Here are some of our most popular sunscreens:

Closing thoughts

Both physical and chemical sunscreens have their strengths. The most important thing is choosing a broad spectrum formula with an SPF of at least 30 that you will wear daily. Get familiar with the active ingredients and find out if you have any sensitivities. Finding the right sunscreen for your skin will provide essential protection from UV damage for healthier, younger-looking skin over your lifetime.

Want to discover the perfect sunscreen for you? Take our Baumann Skin Type quiz today to receive skin care product recommendations tailored for your skin’s unique needs. Once you’ve done that, check out our complete collection of sunscreens here!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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