Sunscreen products contain ingredients that protect the skin from harmful UV radiation, preventing sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. Sunscreens can be physical, mineral, chemical, or natural.
Natural sunscreens – Raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, jojoba oil, Propolis extract, Buriti oil, Strawberry extract, Shea butter, Aloe vera, Alder buckthorn, and walnut
The US FDA regulates sunscreens to ensure that they are safe and effective. These sunscreens are labeled as Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective, or GRASE. Here is the list of ingredients approved for use in sunscreen products:
Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Padimate O, Ensulizole, Sulisobenzone, Aminobenzoic acid (PABA), Avobenzone, Cinoxate, Dioxybenzone, Homosalate, Meradimate, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone, and Trolamine salicylate.
Mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the safest. Still, individuals can respond differently to various products, and it is best to test them before use.
The maximum sun protection factor is 60 plus, though marketing products with an SPF of up to 80 is permitted. Products include oils, lotions, creams, gels, butters, pastes, ointments, sprays, and sticks.
Mineral or Physical sunscreens
Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide occurs naturally as the mineral zincite. However, the mineral is rare and commercially unavailable, so it is produced synthetically. The oxide is a white powder that forms a physical barrier on the skin to reflect UVA and UVB rays. It prevents the absorption of harmful UV light into the skin. Zinc oxide is found in products such as calamine lotion, astringents, breakfast cereals, paint, ointments, bandages, and diaper rash creams. The product does not clog skin pores and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
A study validates that Zinc and Titanium oxides do not penetrate beyond the stratum corneum, the outer gatekeeper layer of our skin (Newman, M D et al., 2009; Wolf, R. et al., 2003). Titanium oxide is more effective against UVB, and Zinc oxide is more effective against UVA. Therefore, products that contain both these compounds will provide greater protection against UV radiation damage (Smijs, T G. et al., 2011).
Most consumers apply sunscreen lotions thinly, reducing the efficacy of the UV radiation mechanism of these physical blockers. Given this, if you need an SPF of 30 for UV radiation protection, selecting a product with an SPF of 60 is best. To protect yourself from UV radiation damage, it is best to limit exposure to sunlight, routinely use generous layers of sunscreen agents, and wear protective clothing (Schneider S L. et al., 2019).
Titanium oxide
Titanium oxide is a white powder synthetically manufactured through a chemical process. It protects against UV radiation by reflecting sunlight from the skin, similar to Zinc oxide’s protection profile. The product can leave a white cast on the skin, especially darker skin tones. It tends to become airborne and should not be used in aerosolized (spray-on) mode.
One potential side effect of titanium dioxide is that it can leave a white cast on the skin, especially on darker skin tones. Sunscreen products that contain both zinc and titanium oxides are more effective.
Chemical sunscreen products
Unlike mineral sunscreens, which sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away, chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays into the skin. Chemical sunscreens contain organic chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, while mineral sunscreens contain inorganic chemicals like titanium and zinc oxides.
Chemical sunscreens are easy to apply, are more lightweight, and have a blended texture. These are usually transparent on the skin and do leave a white cast.
While mineral sunscreens become immediately effective, chemical sunscreens take around twenty minutes to absorb before they become effective. These products wear off more quickly and need to be reapplied more often. They can also react with certain skin types and clog pores. Mineral sunscreens are, therefore, safer for long-term exposure and are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies.
You will find much more in Holy Beauty on skincare, perfumes, and MedSpa procedures.
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