Summer is approaching and the beach is calling, but not before we protect our skin with a good sunscreen, essential for preventing skin damage, such as cancer or aging, but we must also protect ourselves from the harmful components of chemical sunscreens.
That is the reality; toxic components have been found in chemical sunscreens, but there is no need to be alarmed, as physical sunscreens have arrived to stay. Sunscreens free of chemicals, nanoparticles, and petroleum derivatives, which provide maximum protective safety for your skin and for the planet. But how does a chemical sunscreen differ from a physical one?
Differences between chemical and physical sunscreen.
Physical sunscreen.
Let's start from the beginning: a physical sunscreen is composed of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, so when applied to the skin, it is not absorbed, reflecting the sun's rays and protecting the skin from UVA-UVB rays and infrared light. Since it is not absorbed, its effectiveness is immediate, and because it lacks chemical components, it does not affect the aquatic environment, making it environmentally friendly. And if you usually suffer from allergic reactions, you are in luck, because since it does not penetrate the skin, it prevents allergic reactions from appearing, so if you have sensitive skin or children, this sunscreen is for you.
Chemical sunscreen.
Now that we know what a physical sunscreen is, what is a chemical sunscreen? Chemical sunscreens stand out because their compounds include camphor derivatives, cinnamates, and benzophenones, among others, which allows the sunscreen to be absorbed when applied, and when the sun's rays hit, they penetrate the skin, transforming into heat and being released through the skin. If you suffer from irritation, this product is not for you, as by penetrating the skin, it can irritate both eyes and skin, in addition to causing acne and allergic reactions. And as if that were not enough, you must wait 30 minutes before sunbathing for it to start taking effect. Not only can it damage your skin, but the environment as well, as it contaminates the aquatic environment.
Advantages and disadvantages.
But it is not all bad, as both options have advantages and disadvantages based on your needs, where we highlight the following:
Is a physical sunscreen better than a chemical one?
Now that we know the advantages and disadvantages of a chemical and a physical sunscreen, it is time to choose one, but which one? Is a physical sunscreen better than a chemical one? First, we must keep in mind that a chemical sunscreen is not bad if it does not have toxic components, so don't be scared. First, it should be valued that physical sunscreens are much more respectful of your skin and the environment than a chemical one, since they do not have toxic components, so yes, they are better because they are safer. But be careful, they are better as long as you choose the sunscreen that best suits your skin, and above all, that you use it daily.
If your skin suffers from acne, your ideal sunscreen should be oil-free and non-comedogenic, and if you are worried about it leaving a white film, then choose one that is tinted so it doesn't leave a residue on the skin. And finally, if you are going to use it daily, then a physical sunscreen is best for you.
Toxic components of chemical sunscreens
We already know that there are good chemical sunscreens, provided they do not contain harmful compounds, but what are those toxic components? There are multiple toxins in sunscreens, but the ones to be most aware of are Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate), and Homosalate. Don't forget them! Oxybenzone is a UV filter responsible for protecting us from UVA and UVB rays, commonly used in chemical sunscreens, which has resulted in this active ingredient being present in the population according to various studies. Octinoxate is used to protect against UVB rays, as it has the ability to absorb UV radiation and prevent skin damage. And Homosalate is a component used to absorb UVB rays, as it improves the stability and efficacy of other UV filters.
What are nanoparticles?
We don't just have to know about toxic components when buying our sunscreen, but also about nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are used in chemical sunscreens to improve their efficacy, but there are certain uncertainties about them and their effect on human health in the long term, as their ability to penetrate the skin can seriously affect health. They not only affect health but also the environment, since their accumulation in the environment can affect marine life negatively.
If these nanoparticles come into contact with our skin, they can produce certain adverse effects:
- Skin irritation.
- Once the product is applied, the skin may become irritated due to the presence of other substances.
- Accumulation:
- With repeated use over time, these nanoparticles can accumulate, creating future health problems.
- Allergy:
- An allergy to nanoparticles can occur, showing as redness, itching, or inflammation.
How to choose a sunscreen
We know there are many things to keep in mind when choosing a sunscreen, but don't be scared, we are here to help. When considering which sunscreen to choose, you should know that the best option is to use a joint routine of chemical and physical sunscreens, in order to enhance the beneficial effects of both and decrease the adverse effects. Knowing this, you have to choose the best physical and chemical sunscreen. How do we do this?
Physical sunscreen.
There are multiple physical filters, but don't be fooled; you have to keep several things in mind. To choose a good physical sunscreen, do not get carried away by the word "natural," as it may contain chemical components, so you must read the label to be 100% sure. You must also know how to identify that, even if a physical filter appears among the ingredients, chemical sunscreens can also possess them to reduce their toxicity. Above all, and most importantly, you must check that the label says titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. And finally, as a tip, if you don't like your sunscreen leaving a white film, there are tinted physical sunscreens that don't leave that film on the skin.
Chemical sunscreen.
We already know how to identify a good physical filter; let's move on to the chemical ones. Not all chemical sunscreens are dangerous to health. To identify which ones are not, you have to look very carefully to ensure that it does not include Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate), and Homosalate, among others, in its components. With these tips, you will be able to choose a chemical sunscreen easily and quickly.
Types of physical sunscreens
Now that you know everything you need to know about physical sunscreens, it's time to get a tan, and for that, you have to choose a sunscreen. There are several types depending on your needs:
- Water-resistant.
- Face and body.
- For children.
They are all natural, safe, and eco-certified.
Physical sunscreens for the face.
We start with a sunscreen for the face, where our favorite is the one from Nuura, a tinted and non-tinted sunscreen, which has 50 SPF sun protection, offering defense against UVA rays and being suitable for the whole family, especially if you have sensitive or very fair skin. This sunscreen is rapidly absorbed, plus it is tinted, so if you don't want a white film on your face, this is your ideal sunscreen.
Physical sunscreens for sports activities.
We have already seen the face sunscreen from Nuura, but we haven't shown you the body sunscreen yet, which we also love. The Nuura body sunscreen is perfect if you are thinking of doing any sporting activity; it has 50 SPF protection, with a fluid texture and easy application, suitable for the whole family and for any sports activity, as it creates a physical barrier between the sun and the skin.
Physical sunscreens for children.
Let's not forget to show you the children's version of the Nuura body sunscreen. This body sunscreen for children is perfect for kids and babies, formulated with natural ingredients to protect from the sun, with 50 SPF, creating a physical barrier between the sun and the skin. Its texture is light and easy to apply, in addition to being water-resistant, making it perfect for children playing under the sun.
Conclusion
If you want to get a tan and enjoy the summer but want to avoid premature aging and skin problems, sunscreen is your best friend, but not all sunscreens are good for you. We have already shown you how to identify the types of sunscreens that exist, so you have no excuse not to enjoy your summer to the fullest with zero risks.
You have to know how to choose a good sunscreen, a mineral one if possible, thus avoiding exposure to components harmful to your health and the environment. Mineral sunscreens have improved drastically, having formulas that are much more adaptable to your skin. So there is no excuse when buying a physical sunscreen.
