Sunscreen: Chemical vs Mineral

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Sunscreen:
Chemical VS. Mineral

Dr. Andrianna Qandah

Memorial Day Weekend is finally here, which means it’s the perfect time for a friendly reminder to wear your sunscreen!

Sunlight is vital to our overall health — the natural form of vitamin D can strengthen bones, improve mood, and even regulate blood pressure. However, too much bare exposure can lead to harmful effects.

There is significant importance of applying sunscreen for the overall health and appearance of your skin. Adding sunscreen to your daily routine can help reduce the signs of premature aging and the risk of skin cancer, as well as prevent sunburns.

There are 2 types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral. Each type has active ingredients that use different mechanisms to filter UV rays and protect your skin from damage. Mineral sunscreens create a protective barrier on the surface of your skin to reflect and scatter UV rays, while chemical sunscreens get absorbed into the skin to convert the sun's rays into heat, making them less harmful.

With that being said, here are some of Dr. Qandah’s favorite sunscreens:

  • The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sun Cream SPF 30

  • EltMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

  • Coola Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Be sure to apply daily and liberally on your face, neck, and ears, as well as any other areas of possible sun exposure.