18 Jul Mineral and Chemical Sun Cream – What Is the Difference?
The Different Types of Sun Cream – Mineral and Chemical
Even in the UK, Cancer Research UK and the NHS have said that the sun can be strong enough to cause skin cancer. This means it is crucial to wear sun cream ALL year round.
Once you’ve decided to add sun cream to your daily skincare routine, that’s great. However, the next dilemma is which to choose. Higher SPFs in the hotter months or when travelling to a hotter destination and scaling down the SPFs in the winter months seems simple enough. Then comes the two different types of sun protection creams – mineral and chemical.
Mineral Sun Creams (Physical Sun Creams)
Mineral sun creams (also referred to as physical sun creams) sit on top of the skin and provide and barrier or shield against the sun.
Chemical Sun Cream
Chemical sun creams absorb the UV rays from the sun and converts them into heat that is released so that the rays do not get to the skin.
Which Cream Is Best?
Numerous research has been done on which cream is the best, and the bottom line is that the user must find the product they think works the best for their skin and needs. At Laser it, we prefer to opt for mineral and physical sun creams. We stock Environ, a science lead skincare brand that makes fantastic sun care products and skincare lines.
What Is Great About Mineral Sun Creams?
- Isn’t absorbed by the skin
- Provides protection against UVA and UVB rays
- Often more suitable for sensitive skin (than chemical sun creams)
- Often more reef friendly (than chemical sun creams)
- Works immediately upon application
Don’t Forget
Whichever sun cream you decide to wear, ensure that the sun cream is broad spectrum. What does broad spectrum sun cream mean? Broad spectrum sun creams protect against both UVA AND UVB rays, not just one. This is extremely important to keep your skin protected against skin aging and skin burning caused by the sun.
As well as sun creams, remember to keep hydrated and use an after sun, such as an aloe gel or dedicated after sun care cream suitable for your skin.
Stay Safe
Stay safe in the sun, ladies and gents! If you have any questions about sun creams and laser hair removal treatment or want to purchase any of our Environ sun creams, contact us here or DM us on Instagram.