Sun Protection 101: Understanding Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens

The sun, while an essential source of life and warmth, also emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can damage our skin and accelerate the premature signs of aging. That's where sunscreen comes in, acting as a protective shield against these harmful rays, but not all sunscreens are created equal and finding the right fit for your skin’s unique needs is just as important as the SPF itself.

Let's dive into the world of mineral and chemical sunscreens as your friends here at Karuna Skin help you understand their differences, the two main types, and how to navigate the right type best suited to enhancing your skin-defending routine.

The Science of Sunscreen

Sunscreens are formulated to protect your skin from two major types of UV radiation: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and play a significant role in skin cancer development. Sunscreens work by either reflecting or absorbing these harmful rays through the use of proven UV filters: mineral and chemical.

Mineral Sunscreens: The Physical Shield

Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, create a physical barrier on your skin's surface, reflecting UV rays away like tiny mirrors or shields versus fully penetrating the skin.

How They Work

Mineral sunscreens sit on top of your skin, forming a protective layer. When UV rays hit this layer, they are reflected or scattered away, preventing them from penetrating your skin.

Key UV Filters

Zinc Oxide: Offers broad-spectrum protection, blocking both UVA and UVB rays.

Titanium Dioxide: Primarily protects against UVB rays and some UVA rays.

Benefits

MINERAL SUNSCREEN

Immediate Protection: Mineral sunscreens start working as soon as you apply them.

Gentle on Sensitive Skin: They are less likely to cause irritation, making them suitable for sensitive skin and children.

Environmentally Friendly: Mineral sunscreens are generally considered more reef-safe than their chemical counterparts.

GRASE Status: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the only UV filters currently GRASE (Generally Recognized As Safe & Effective) by the FDA.

Drawbacks: When improperly formulated, mineral sunscreens can leave behind residue or the dreaded “white cast”.

Chemical Sunscreens: The UV Absorber

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from your skin. They contain organic (carbon-based) compounds that act like sponges, soaking up the UV radiation.

How They Work

Chemical sunscreens penetrate your skin and absorb UV rays before they can damage deeper layers. The absorbed UV radiation is transformed into heat and dissipated/released from your skin.

Key UV Filters

Avobenzone: Protects against UVA rays.

Homosalate: Absorbs UVB rays.

Octinoxate: Absorbs UVB rays.

Octocrylene: Offers UVB protection and helps stabilize avobenzone.

Oxybenzone: Provides broad-spectrum protection but has raised some environmental concerns.

Benefits

CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN

Lightweight and Non-Greasy: Chemical sunscreens tend to be more cosmetically elegant, blending seamlessly into the skin without leaving a white cast.

Water-Resistant Formulas: Many chemical sunscreens offer water resistance, making them ideal for swimming or sweating.

Drawbacks: There have been increasing concerns surrounding chemical UV filters due to potential risks associated with absorption into the blood screen. They are not currently listed as GRASE and are generally not recommended for children and sensitive skin types.

Did you know… if you’re on the fence of which route to take, there ARE hybrid formulas out there that contain a combination of UV filters.

Our Go-To: Daily Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 40

NEW

Simply Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40 - Untinted

$26.00

NEW

Simply Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40 - Glow Booster

$26.00

NEW

Simply Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40 - Redness Corrector

$26.00

At Karuna, we believe in providing sun protection that's not only effective but also feels good on your skin and supports its overall health and vitality.

Meet the shades

Powered by 100% mineral, non-nano zinc and time-tested TCM ingredients, our Simply Sheer SPF 40 collection offers a range of sunscreens designed to seamlessly integrate into your daily routine with the option to color correct as you defend and age-defy.

Untinted: This ultra-sheer, soft matte finish formula provides broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast as it effortlessly hydrates, balances, and visibly plumps your skin.

Glow Booster: This illuminating, peach-toned formula visibly brightens and helps color-correct uneven skin tone while offering superior UV and free radical defense as it illuminates with a touch of iridescence.

Redness Corrector: This green-toned, matte finish formula is designed to visibly calm and help color-correct the look of redness and skin inflammation while hydrating and supporting blemish-prone complexions.

Choosing the right sunscreen often depends on your skin type, lifestyle, and personal preferences but one thing is for certain: it’s an essential step in every daily routine! Whether you opt for mineral or chemical, the most important thing is to wear sunscreen daily and reapply it regularly. With Karuna's Simply Sheer Daily SPF 40 collection, you can enjoy the sun confidently, knowing your skin is protected, nourished, and set up for success.

Interested in learning more? Head over to our BLOG page today and let us know something new you've learned below or on Instagram @karunaskin - we love hearing from you!

Written by Ryan Nelson