What is Mineral Sunscreen?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) should be an essential element of your daily skincare routine.

While you may be well acquainted with chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens have grown in popularity in recent years. But what exactly is mineral sunscreen?

Our expert guide explores what mineral sunscreen is and why they could be a game changer for your skin.

What is Mineral Sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens work by sitting on top of the skin and physically blocking or reflecting UV rays.

The two main active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work in synergy to provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

What are the Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens work by sitting on top of the skin and physically blocking or reflecting UV rays.

The two main active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work in synergy to provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

What are the Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens could be good for the skin for several reasons:

Blocks UV rays

While chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat, mineral SPF blocks the rays from even penetrating the skin’s surface by reflecting them.

For this reason, it’s thought to offer higher levels of protection with this option.

Broad-Spectrum Protection

Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Immediate Protection

Mineral sunscreens start working immediately after they are applied, which could be useful if you’re in a rush or already outside and exposed to the sun.

Environmentally Friendly

Mineral sunscreens are also considered to be more environmentally friendly compared to chemical sunscreens, as they do not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, which could be harmful to coral reefs.

How to Apply Mineral Sunscreen

Wondering how to apply mineral sunscreen? We’ve outlined four simple steps to follow so you can help protect your skin from UV rays.

1. Select a mineral sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher for adequate protection.
2. Dab dots of the product evenly across each area of the body, paying extra attention to the hard-to-reach areas like ears and the back of the neck.
3. Spread the product across the skin, as if you’re trying to connect each dot.
4. Keep rubbing (and rubbing) until the product evenly coats the skin.
5. You may need to work the product into the skin more than you would with physical sunscreen, so just keep working the product until it has absorbed.
6. Ensure you reapply frequently - approximately every two hours - to ensure you remain protected throughout the day.

Mineral sunscreens could offer effective protection against the sun's harmful rays, making them a popular option for many.