Dermatologists say that you should always include sunscreen in your face care routine. That's because the biggest danger to your complexion is the sun, and leaving it unprotected can lead to a whole host of undesirable results. Dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines are just some of the outcomes not wearing sunscreen can bring. So, with this in mind, what's the best face sunscreen type? Mineral or chemical?
In all honesty, it's an easy question to answer, as mineral brands are head and shoulders above their chemical counterparts in terms of gentleness and effectiveness. Why? Let us enlighten you.
The Best Face Sunscreen Is Broad Spectrum
Naturally, sunscreen needs to protect against all types of UV rays, and it can only do that if it's a broad-spectrum product. That's why the best face sunscreen is always going to be mineral-based, as zinc oxide already has this characteristic built into it. However, only a percentage of chemical brands offer this as standard, so you're not guaranteed to enjoy this level of protection.
Got Problem Skin? It's Mineral Sunscreen Again!
Do you have acne, eczema or another sensitive skin issue? If so, then mineral sunscreen is the ONLY suitable choice because there's nothing more gentle on the market. The best brands contain no fragrances, parabens or other nasties, and they're typically non-comedogenic, meaning they’re not going to cause annoying breakouts.
Mineral Sunscreen Doesn't Have to Absorb
When you put on a chemical sunscreen, you have to wait 20-30 minutes before you go out in the sun. That's because they have to absorb into the skin so that they can convert UV rays into heat and protect you against damage. It's the very fact that it has to be absorbed that can cause a problem for your skin and stop you from going out as quickly as you'd like.
Mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, works from the moment you put it on. It sits on the surface of the skin and doesn't have to be absorbed. This makes it more gentle and a better option for use as part of a skincare routine.
Mineral Sunscreens Have a More Stable Formula
If all the reasons mentioned above weren't enough to convince you that mineral sunscreens were the best option, how about the fact that they also typically have a more stable formula?
What that means in layman's terms is that they offer consistent protection against UV rays throughout the day. Some brands can degrade more quickly than others under direct sunlight, leaving you unprotected. Also, they come in sheer formulations that go on invisible, meaning they won’t leave behind a white cast, even on darker skin.
The Best Face Sunscreen is Mineral-Based & That's a Fact!
The choice you make with regard to the sunscreen that forms part of your daily face care routine is so important if you want to have youthful skin. As we've seen in this article, mineral sunscreens are much more gentle, more stable, immediately effective, and offer broad-spectrum protection. To say that mineral-based sunscreen is better for a face routine is not conjecture - it's a fact!
So, the next time you find yourself browsing the sunscreen aisle at your local drugstore or scanning the web for the best option for your needs, we highly recommend taking all of this information into account.
The brand you choose is another point to consider, as not all sunscreens are created to the same high standard. As such, you should aim for top manufacturers like Blue Lizard that are known for the quality of what they offer. Do that and your chances of long-term sun damage go down markedly.