When it comes to skincare, nothing else is as important as sunscreens. No matter how much you care for your skin, if you are missing out on sun protection, nothing else matters.
The first and foremost step of every skincare process must involve sunscreen, especially for the Indian weather where the sun seems to be as close as the moon.
When you go to buy sunscreen, there are two options to choose from; mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. Which one is better? Does not matter. What matters is which one is better for you.
Even though mineral sunscreens are generally considered to be slightly better than chemical sunscreens, this article will show you all the reasons why chemical sunscreens might be better for you.
But before we get started, let us point out something crucial to get rid of any misinformation.
Are Chemical Sunscreen Bad?
Chemical sunscreens are not bad, but there are many bad chemical sunscreens out there in the Indian market. Both chemical and mineral sunscreen offers the same sun protection.
So a mineral sunscreen with 50+ SPF will provide the same protection as a chemical sunscreen with 50+ SPF. The choice comes down to preference and other factors, and not sun protection.
When you look at all the sunscreens in the market, you’d notice a lot of them are chemical sunscreens. Many companies choose to make cheaper, subpar sunscreen that does not perform well, and the entire class of chemical sunscreen gets the bad wrap.
As long as the sunscreen comes with adequate SPF, is free from fragrance and other allergens, and the user is applying it properly and frequently, then it does not matter what type of sunscreen you apply, as long as you apply one.
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at all the ways chemical sunscreens might be better for you.
Provide Excellent UVA and UVB Protection
Chemical sunscreens are very efficient at getting rid of the dangerous UVA and UVB radiation from the sun that cause both skin darkening and damage. Applying a strong sunscreen with SPF 50+ frequently provides excellent protection against the sun.
Exposing the skin to UV radiation not only makes it dull and damaged, but also increases the signs of aging, the risk of skin damage, burning, and even skin cancer.
Blends Perfectly
Chemical sunscreens are excellent at blending with your skin. This feature is what makes them a better choice than many mineral sunscreens, which are like thick paint.
Apply a good amount of sunscreen on your face and with just a few gentle rubs, the sunscreen is applied properly all over your face and vanishes as it gets absorbed in the skin.
The downside here is that you need to wait for 20-25 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun.
No White-Cast
Ask anyone who has used mineral sunscreen and the first complaint would be the ghostly white cast that it leaves on the face, even for people with lighter skin tones.
No matter how much you rub it, and polish your face, there is always going to be a white cast as if you just dipped your face in a can of white paint.
For people with slightly darker skin tones, which is the majority of Indians, mineral sunscreens are a big no because of the white cast.
Water and Sweat Resistant
When you are out in the sun, there are two things for certain; the sun will damage your skin and you are going to sweat. The sunscreen takes care of the sun damage, but what about sweating?
Mineral sunscreens are really bad against water and sweat. They tend to wash off very quickly, and you cannot stop yourself from sweating. This is where chemical sunscreens take a lead.
Many great chemical sunscreens are water and sweat resistant. So even if you are sweating profusely or get your face splashed with water, you don’t have to worry.
For people who have an active lifestyle and are more out in the sun, it is better that you apply chemical sunscreen. Just make sure you apply it every 2 hours to ensure maximum protection.
Affordable and Easily Available
Chemical sunscreens are far more affordable and easily available than mineral sunscreens in India. Thanks to some companies, we are seeing a steady and healthy rise in a variety of sunscreens, but you can buy chemical sunscreens more easily than their physical counterpart.
Cheaper usually does not usually mean bad when it comes to sunscreens. Make sure that the sunscreen you buy has adequate SPF, is free from fragrance, suits your skin, and you apply it regularly.
Try different sunscreens to find the one that works the best for you. Modern chemical sunscreens do not cause much skin irritation or trigger allergies.
Infused with Other Ingredients
Since chemical sunscreens are absorbed in the skin, many companies add other great ingredients with the SPF for added benefits.
For example, many chemical sunscreens come with moisturizers, niacinamide, and other beneficial compounds. There are some great options in the market to choose from.
Conclusion
As we have mentioned before, as long as you are applying sunscreen it does not matter what type of sunscreen it is.
Getting sun protection is far more important than what type of sunscreen you use. With all that in mind, keep applying sunscreen and take care of your skin.
If you think this is the end, here’s why Mineral or Physical sunscreens could be better for you!
