Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Skin

When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, not all sunscreens are created equal. With warmer months ahead and more time spent outdoors, understanding the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is more important than ever. That’s why we’re joining forces with Colorescience for the annual Take the Pledge campaign—encouraging patients to commit to wearing sunscreen year-round in honor of Melanoma Awareness Month. Let’s break down the facts so you can choose the best protection for your skin and overall health.

Understanding SPF and UV Radiation

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures a sunscreen's ability to protect against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and can contribute to skin cancer. An SPF 30 sunscreen blocks approximately 97% of UVB radiation. 

However, it's crucial to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays:

• UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, leading to premature aging and wrinkles.
• UVB rays affect the skin's surface, causing sunburn and playing a key role in developing skin cancer.

Year round, regardless of age, you should use an  SPF of 30 or higher to best protect your skin. 

What Sunscreen Should I Use?

The Problem with Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens work by using active ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octinoxate to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation before it can damage your skin. These formulas are often found in sprays and gels, making them popular for their convenience and ease of application. However, that convenience can come at a cost. One of the most commonly used ingredients, oxybenzone, has been shown in some studies to potentially disrupt hormone function and may even lower testosterone levels in boys and men. 

Unlike mineral sunscreens, chemical options don’t create a physical barrier on the skin. Instead, they rely on chemical reactions to filter UV rays, which may not provide complete protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. Spray formulas, in particular, can apply unevenly, making it difficult to ensure full coverage and reducing their overall effectiveness. Ultimately, chemical sunscreens function more as UV filters than true blockers—offering partial protection that may not be sufficient for everyone.

Why Mineral Sunscreens Are a Better Choice

Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, offer a more direct form of defense. They contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays. These ingredients act like a suit of armor, reflecting and scattering sunlight much like steel deflects impact. Because zinc and titanium are naturally occurring heavy metals, they provide a broad-spectrum barrier without the need for chemical absorption. 

Mineral sunscreens are also reef-safe, non-toxic, and much gentler on sensitive or acne-prone skin. Another key advantage is that they begin protecting the skin immediately upon application—no waiting period required. When shopping for a mineral sunscreen, opt for creams or gels rather than sprays to ensure even application, and be sure to check the expiration date. Like all skincare products, active ingredients in sunscreen can degrade over time, making it less effective if used past its prime.

Ingredient Comparison: What’s Really In Your Sunscreen?

Understanding what goes into your sunscreen is just as important as applying it. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients in your sunscreen that you should pay attention to:

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (Mineral Sunscreens)
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are naturally occurring minerals that provide broad-spectrum protection by physically blocking UVA and UVB rays. Because they don’t absorb into the skin, they’re much less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. These ingredients are also stable in sunlight, reef-safe, and gentle enough for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Additionally, they begin working immediately upon application, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking safe, effective sun protection.

Oxybenzone (Chemical Sunscreen)
Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in chemical sunscreens, valued for its ability to absorb UVB and some UVA rays. However, it’s also one of the most controversial. Studies have linked oxybenzone to hormone disruption and allergic skin reactions. It has been detected in blood, urine, and even breast milk, raising concerns about its systemic absorption. Beyond personal health risks, oxybenzone is also harmful to marine ecosystems and has been banned in several locations due to its role in coral reef bleaching.

Avobenzone (Chemical Sunscreen)
Avobenzone offers strong UVA protection, making it a frequent addition to chemical sunscreen formulas. The downside is that it breaks down quickly when exposed to sunlight, losing its effectiveness unless stabilized by other chemicals. This instability can reduce the overall reliability of the sunscreen and may contribute to irritation or sensitivity in some users. While it is considered safer than oxybenzone from a hormonal standpoint, its tendency to degrade over time is a drawback.

Octinoxate (Chemical Sunscreen)
Octinoxate is another chemical filter often used to block UVB rays. Like oxybenzone, it has been associated with hormone disruption and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It is also not reef-safe and has been shown to contribute to coral bleaching. Although it is effective at absorbing sunlight, growing concerns about its environmental and health impacts have led many to seek alternatives.

Choosing Safer Sun Protection
While chemical sunscreens may be convenient and lightweight, their active ingredients often raise concerns about hormone disruption, skin irritation, and environmental damage. Mineral sunscreens, with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, offer a safer, more reliable alternative. They provide broad-spectrum coverage without being absorbed into the body, making them a better choice for both your skin and the planet.

Sun Sensitivity and Medications: What You Need to Know

While sunscreen is essential for everyone, it becomes even more important if you’re taking medications that increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight—a condition known as photosensitivities (photoallergy and phototoxicity). Certain prescriptions, including some antibiotics, retinoids, hormonal medications (like contraceptives), and treatments for high blood pressure or depression, can make your skin more prone to burning or irritation, even with short sun exposure.

Individuals taking photosensitizing medications should take extra precautions in the sun, including using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak UV hours whenever possible. If you’re unsure whether your medication increases sun sensitivity, it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Practicing smart sun habits while on these medications can help you avoid adverse reactions and keep your skin protected year-round.

Smart Sun Habits for Long-Term Skin Health

Sunscreen is essential—but it’s just one part of a complete sun protection strategy. Long-term skin health requires daily habits that go beyond a single application in the morning. Here’s how to build a well-rounded approach to keeping your skin safe:

1. Reapply sunscreen every 1–2 hours, especially if you’re swimming, sweating, or spending extended time outdoors. Even water-resistant formulas wear off over time, and without reapplication, your skin is left unprotected.
   
   
2. Wear sun-protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Look for clothing labeled with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating—similar to SPF for skin, UPF measures how much UV radiation a fabric blocks.
   
   
3. Avoid direct sun exposure during peak UV hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are strongest and your skin is most at risk of damage. If you must be outside during these hours, seek shade and double up on protection with both sunscreen and protective clothing.
   
   
4. Don’t rely on “waterproof” claims—in fact, the FDA no longer allows sunscreens to be labeled as “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” because no product can completely resist being washed away. Instead, look for sunscreens labeled “water-resistant,” and always reapply as directed.
   
   
5. Make sunscreen a daily habit—year-round. UV radiation doesn’t disappear in winter or on cloudy days. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, and snow, sand, and water can reflect sunlight, increasing your exposure. Even a quick walk outside or time spent driving in the car can add up to cumulative skin damage over time.

Now Is the Perfect Time to Trade Up

Most people have an old bottle of sunscreen tucked away in a beach bag, glove compartment, or bathroom drawer—but did you know that expired sunscreen may no longer provide the protection you think it does? Over time, the active ingredients in both chemical and mineral sunscreens begin to break down, especially if the product has been exposed to heat or sunlight. This degradation weakens their ability to block or absorb harmful UV rays, meaning your skin could be left vulnerable even if you're applying sunscreen regularly. In some cases, expired sunscreens can also separate or change in texture, making them difficult to apply evenly—which further compromises your coverage.

That’s why this is the perfect time to upgrade your sun protection routine. During May and June, we’re making it easier than ever to refresh your skincare shelf. As part of our “Trade Up Your Sunscreen” event, you’ll receive a $20 credit when you bring in any old or expired sunscreen and purchase a new, mineral, medical-grade option. Stop in at any of our locations and make the switch today!