Mineral Sunscreen - A Tutorial & Review
What is the difference between a mineral sunscreen and a chemical sunscreen - and why should you care?
The sun's rays are responsible for up to 90% of the external signs of aging on our face and body.
The correct use of sunscreen can keep you feeling more vibrant and radiant.
And knowledge is powerful.
Mineral Vs. Chemical Sunscreens
There are only two active mineral ingredients:
- Zinc Oxide
- Titanium Dioxide
The FDA considers these 2 active mineral ingredients as GRASE (Generally Regarded As Safe & Effective).
There are multiple 'chemical' sunscreen ingredients (and many more outside of the U.S.)
These chemical active sunscreen ingredients are*:
-
chemical active sunscreen Ingredients commonly used in the U.S.: ensulizole, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, oxybenzone, avobenzone.
-
chemical active sunscreen Ingredients not frequently used in the U.S.: Cinoxate, dioxybenzone, meradimate, padimate O, sulisobenzone.
*The FDA is calling for more safety data on these 12 ingredients before determining whether these ingredients can be classified as GRASE (Generally Regarded As Safe & Effective).
Based on information and data that we currently have, I feel mineral sunscreens are your safest bet. The scientific and dermatological communities agree.
Especially if you have reactive skin; Mineral sunscreens are your friend.
Note: All our mineral makeup contains the two mineral sunscreen agents by default: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
Take Away
Mineral based makeup is fantastic for sensitive and reactive skins.
Celery Mineral Eyeshadow & Glazed Caramel Two In One Creme Crayon
How Mineral & Chemical Sunscreens Work
Mineral sunscreens are a physical barrier - they begin working upon application.
Chemical sunscreens need a chemical reaction with your skin for them to effective; which takes about 20 minutes.
Take Away
You don't need to wait before you hit the outdoors, upon applying a mineral sunscreen; but with a chemical sunscreen you need to wait 20 minutes before going outside or being anywhere near a window.
How To Apply Sunscreen For Optimal Aging
Sunscreen effectiveness is dose dependent.
If you don't apply the proper amount, you are not getting the amount of protection you think you are.
1/4 teaspoon or a dollop the size of a quarter for face and neck.
SPF 30, nothing less.
No skimping now!
Another dollop, the same size for chest, hands and arms.
Makeup & Sunscreen
The sunscreen formula you wear can make or break your makeup application, and dictate which products work well, ...or not.
The wrong sunscreen can create shorter makeup wear time, sit on top of you skin instead of melting in, and settle into lines.
Experiment and play.
Check out my 6 sunscreen recommendations in the video below.
- Juice Beauty SPF 30 Mineral Moisturizer
- Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 30
- Acure Radically Rejuvenating SPF 30 Day Creme
- CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50
- CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30
- PCA Hydrator Plus SPF 30
SHOP Our Amazon Sunscreen Shop for more recommendations and ideas.
Watch below for more information.
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