Sunscreen science, simplified.

So we have heard millions of times how important sunscreen is, from both a health perspective and anti-aging. It really is the skin care product that should be on the top of your “must have” list. With SO many sunscreen options, where to start? Simply put there are two distinct differences when selecting sunscreen; .it is either Physical/Mineral or Chemical. While it’s better to use something rather than nothing, I am team Physical/Mineral all day long and here’s why:

Physical/Mineral and Chemical sunscreens refer to the ingredients in each. Physical/Mineral sunscreens often offer more protection as they actually create a barrier from the sun and sit on top of your skin effectively blocking rays from penetrating your skin’s surface. The ingredients usually include zinc oxide or titanium oxide and while they have been known to be thicker and traditionally leave a white cast on your skin, today there are multiple options that no longer leave any noticeable residue. I use ELTA MD SHEER SPF50 every day, rain or shine, and pat it on my face as my very last step. I am also a fan of this one that I use primarily on the body - but in a pinch it works well as a face/body sunscreen. It’s a little heavier (i.e. thicker) and I find it works really well on the body. Physical/Mineral sunscreens are also great if you have sensitive or acne prone skin as it does sit on top of the skin.There are also a handful of physical sunscreens that offer skincare benefits like adding a glow and even blurring and evening out your skin tone with a radiant finish. This one is zinc based and comes in three shades and creates a natural illumination.

Whether it be texture or color, some prefer a chemical sunscreen. These are usually a light-weight, clear or gel-like formula that function by absorbing the sun's rays instead of physically blocking them. For this reason, some dermatologists prefer a physical sunscreen for its stronger effectiveness.

At the end of the day, whichever formula you like best is the one that you will actually use - so if you gravitate to a formula or texture than that is the one for you.