{"id":55800,"date":"2022-06-30T10:30:55","date_gmt":"2022-06-30T14:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-well.ca\/?p=55800"},"modified":"2026-06-30T16:09:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T20:09:48","slug":"physical-vs-chemical-sunscreens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/well.ca\/blog\/physical-vs-chemical-sunscreens\/","title":{"rendered":"Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]As reported by the Skin Cancer Foundation, when used as directed, sunscreen can help decrease your risk of skin cancers and prevent premature aging of the skin.<\/p>\n

But a common question remains, is it okay to absorb chemical sunscreen into your skin?<\/p>\n

Sunscreen products include active ingredients that help block UV radiation from reaching and damaging your skin. However, not all sunscreens are created equal. There are two different types of sunscreens\u2014 physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

You know that wearing sunscreen is important, but choosing the right sunscreen can be complicated. Which one is right for you?<\/em><\/p>\n

What Is Chemical Sunscreen?<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

A chemical sunscreen works by absorbing the sun\u2019s UV rays, creating a chemical reaction based on the ingredients within chemical sunscreens. Once absorbed into your skin, chemical sunscreens change these UV rays into heat, which is then released from your skin.<\/p>\n

Although chemical sunscreens are shown to be effective, they are more likely to irritate your skin compared to physical sunscreens. However, in recent years, there have been some concerns surrounding the safety of chemical sunscreens, particularly in terms of potential free radical damage. There have also been many incidences of irritation. Unfortunately, the higher the SPF, the greater the risk of irritation for those with sensitive skin.<\/p>\n

A study released in 2019<\/a> found that it took just one day of use for several chemical sunscreen ingredients to enter the bloodstream at levels high enough to trigger a government safety investigation. Researchers found that three of the ingredients studied continued to rise as daily use continued, remaining in the body for at least 24 hours after sunscreen use ended.<\/p>\n

What Is Physical Sunscreen?<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Physical sunscreen, also known as mineral sunscreen, creates a barrier on your skin. This makes it an optimal choice for those with sensitive skin or heat-activated skin conditions.<\/p>\n

Physical sunscreen ingredients include minerals such as non-nano zinc oxide<\/em> and non-nano titanium dioxide<\/em>. These formulations physically block and scatter the sun\u2019s rays before they can penetrate your skin. Think of physical sunscreen as a shield. This is why they are sometimes referred to as \u201cphysical blockers\u201d. Simple enough, right?<\/p>\n

In addition to these active ingredients, a high-quality physical sunscreen will also often be made with ingredients you know and trust\u2014 including shea butter<\/em>, coconut oil<\/em>, and jojoba oil<\/em>. You\u2019ll feel good about using it.<\/p>\n

The Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen<\/h2>\n