There are many terms that you’ll come across when exploring the world of sunscreen. ‘Broad Spectrum’, ‘Photo Stable’ and ‘Reef Safe’ are just some you’ll see. Another is physical sunscreen, and it’s one that doesn’t have an obvious meaning – unless, of course, you know a thing or two about sun protection. That’s what we aim to help you with here.
If you keep reading on, you’ll find out what the term relates to, as well as get some other useful insight into the world of sunscreen. So, if you’re ready, we’ll begin.
Physical Sunscreen is Another Name For Mineral Sunscreen
Do a little research into sunscreen online and you’ll find that there are two main types; chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen. It’s the latter that’s also known as physical sunscreen and it’s called that because it sits on the surface of the skin, ‘physically’ protecting the skin by creating an effective barrier that lasts up to 2 hours.
This is in direct contrast to chemical sunscreens which need to be absorbed into the skin in order to filter out UV rays, rather than reflecting them away. The difference lies in the formula, with mineral brands, containing naturally occurring compounds like zinc oxide. Conversely, chemical sunscreens are made with chemicals like oxybenzone.
Why Should I Buy a Physical Product?
So, what is it about mineral sunscreens that make them so popular? Well, there are a number of things that make them the more appealing option. They include:
- Gentle on Skin: They’re ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin
- Immediate Protection: They work instantly upon application
- Broad-Spectrum: They stop both UVA and UVB rays in their tracks – not something that you can say about all chemical sunscreens
- Reef-Safe Options: They’re typically free of harmful chemicals
- Stable Formula: They don’t degrade as quickly in sunlight
- Safer for Kids: They’re more suitable for babies and children.
- Eco-Friendly: Mineral sunscreens don’t harm the environment, unlike some brands of chemical sunscreen.
You might have heard through the grapevine that mineral-based sunscreens aren’t that great because they leave behind a white cast. While this might have been the case in the past, the top brands now offer ‘sheer’ options that go on invisible, so don’t let this be a reason to not try out the many advantages of mineral products.
Physical Sunscreen – An Increasingly Popular Option
Mineral sunscreens have been around for some time, but it’s only in recent years that the word is finally starting to get out with regards to how effective and gentle they are. These ‘Physical’ products represent a great option for sun safety, so if you’ve yet to try it out for yourself, maybe now’s the time.
With its gentle, effective, eco-friendly makeup, these products offer an excellent choice for anyone seeking reliable sun protection that’s also gentle enough to wear when you have sensitive skin issues. Certainly sounds good, right? Well, believe us when we say that mineral sunscreens absolutely live up to expectations.
