Sunblock Smackdown: Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens 
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Sunblock Smackdown: Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens 



Hey beautiful people!

Sun protection is a must-have in any beauty routine, no matter the season. But with aisles overflowing with "sunscreen" and "sunblock" options, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

Today's blog dives deep into the two main types of sun protection: mineral and chemical sunscreens.


Mineral Marvels


Mineral sunscreens, also called physical sunscreens or physical blockers, are like tiny shields for your skin. They contain mineral ingredients, usually zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on top of your skin and deflect UV rays like a mirror. They prevent the absorption of the harmful UV rays.


The pros for mineral sunscreen includes that they are less irritating and usually preferred for those with sensitive skin, protect both UVA and UVB rays which offers broad-spectrum protection, work immediately after application.


The cons for mineral sunscreens include that they can leave a chalky appearance to the skin and are not favorable among those with more olive or brown skin and they feel thicker and greasier than chemical sunscreens.


Chemical Champions


Chemical sunscreens work differently. They contain ingredients that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from your skin.

Chemical sunscreens have their own set of pros and cons:


The pros for chemical sunscreens include that they feel lighter and are more sheer than mineral sunscreens, are less likely to leave a white cast, and are often in a spray form for easy application.


The cons for chemical sunscreens include that they might irritate those with sensitive skin, and it can take up to 30 minutes to become fully protective. Personally, I always break out if I use a chemical sunscreen on my face. Another major con is that since it works by converting the harmful rays to heat under the skin, it can worsen melasma in those with heat-induced melasma.


Don't Forget These Gems!

No matter which type you choose, remember these golden rules:

  • Broad Spectrum is Best: Look for this label to ensure protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

  • SPF is Key: Choose an SPF of 30 or higher for daily wear.

  • Reapply, Reapply, Reapply! Sun protection wears off, so reapply every two hours, or more often if sweating or swimming.


YovinoMD Beauty offers mineral based sunscreens in tinted and untinted versions. Use the links to purchase:



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