Summer is just around the corner and the beach is calling, but not before we protect our skin with good sunscreen, which is essential to prevent skin damage like cancer or aging. However, we must also protect ourselves from the harmful components of chemical sunscreens.
That's just the way it is: toxic components have been found in chemical sunscreens. But there's no need to panic, as physical sunscreens are here to stay. These sunscreens are free of chemicals, nanoparticles, and petroleum derivatives, offering maximum protection for your skin and the planet. But what's the difference between a chemical and a physical sunscreen?
Differences between chemical and physical sunscreens.
Physical sunscreen.
Let's start at the beginning. A physical sunscreen is composed of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. When applied to the skin, it is not absorbed. Instead, it reflects the sun's rays, protecting the skin from UVA-UVB and infrared rays. Since it is not absorbed, its effectiveness is immediate, and because it contains no chemical components, it does not affect aquatic environments, making it environmentally friendly. If you tend to suffer from allergic reactions, you're in luck, as it does not penetrate the skin, preventing allergic reactions. So, if you have sensitive skin or children, this sunscreen is for you.
Chemical sunscreen.
Now that we know what a physical filter is, what is a chemical filter? Chemical filters stand out because their compounds include camphors, cinnamates, and benzophenones, among others. This allows the sunscreen to be absorbed when applied, and when the sun's rays hit the skin, they penetrate, transform into heat, and are 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, as well as cause acne and allergic reactions. And as if that weren't enough, you must wait 30 minutes before sun exposure for it to take effect. Not only can it harm your skin, but the environment too, as it pollutes aquatic environments.
Advantages and disadvantages.
But it's not all bad, as both options have advantages and disadvantages based on your needs, among which we highlight the following:
Is a physical sunscreen better than a chemical one?
Now that we know the advantages and disadvantages of chemical and physical filters, it's time to choose one, but which one? Is a physical filter better than a chemical one? First, we must keep in mind that a chemical filter is not bad if it does not contain toxic components, so don't be alarmed. First, it must be noted that physical filters are more respectful of your skin and the environment than chemical ones, as they do not contain toxic components, so yes, they are better because they are safer. But beware, they are better as long as you choose the sunscreen that best suits your skin, and above all, that you use daily.
If your skin suffers from acne, your ideal sunscreen should be oil-free and non-comedogenic, and if you're concerned about it leaving a white film, then choose one with color so it doesn't leave residue on the skin. And finally, if you're going to use it daily, then a physical filter is best for you.
Toxic components in chemical sunscreens
We already know that there are good chemical filters, as long as they don't 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 led to this active ingredient being present in the population according to different 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 effectiveness of other UV filters.
What are nanoparticles?
We not only need to know about toxic components when buying our sunscreen, but also about nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are used in chemical sunscreens to improve their effectiveness, but there are certain uncertainties about them and their long-term effect on human health, as their ability to penetrate the skin can seriously affect health. They not only affect health, but also the environment, as their accumulation in the environment can negatively affect marine life.
If these nanoparticles come into contact with our skin, they can cause 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:
- Allergy to nanoparticles can occur, manifesting as redness, itching, or inflammation.
How to choose a sunscreen
We know that there are many things to consider when choosing sunscreen, but don't worry, we'll help you. When deciding which sunscreen to choose, you should know that the best option is to use a combined routine of chemical and physical sunscreens, in order to enhance the beneficial effects of both and reduce adverse effects. Once you know this, you need 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; there are several things to keep in mind. To choose a good physical sunscreen, you shouldn't be swayed by the word "natural", as it may contain chemical components, so you need to read the label to be 100% sure. You also need to know how to identify that, even if some physical filters appear among the ingredients, chemical sunscreens can also contain them to reduce their toxicity. Above all, and most importantly, you need to make sure 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.
Now that we know how to identify a good physical filter, let's move on to chemical ones. Not all chemical sunscreens are dangerous to health. To identify which ones are not, you need to pay close attention to ensure that they do not include Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate), and Homosalate, among others, in their components. With these tips, you can choose a chemical sunscreen easily and quickly.
Types of physical sunscreens
Now that you know everything there is to know about physical sunscreens, it's time to get a tan, and for that, you need to choose a sunscreen. There are several types depending on your needs:
- Water-resistant.
- Face and body.
- For children.
All are natural, safe, and organically certified.
Physical sunscreens for the face.
Let's start with a facial sunscreen, where our favorite is Nuura's, a tinted and untinted sunscreen, with SPF 50 protection, offering defense against UVA rays and suitable for the whole family, especially if you have sensitive or very fair skin. This sunscreen is fast-absorbing and also has color, so if you don't want a white film on your face, this is your ideal sunscreen.
Physical sunscreens for sports activities.
We've already seen Nuura's facial protector, but we haven't yet shown you the body protector, which we also love. Nuura's body sunscreen is perfect if you're planning any sports activity. It has SPF 50 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 also show you the children's version of Nuura's body sunscreen. This body sunscreen for children is perfect for children and babies. It is formulated with natural ingredients to protect from the sun, with an SPF of 50, creating a physical barrier between the sun and the skin. Its texture is light and easy to apply, and it is also water-resistant, making it perfect for children to play 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 available, so you have no excuse to fully enjoy your summer with zero risks.
It is essential to choose a good sunscreen, preferably a mineral one, thus avoiding exposure to components harmful to your health and the environment. Mineral sunscreens have drastically improved, now having formulas that are much more adaptable to your skin. Therefore, there is no excuse when it comes to buying a physical sunscreen.
