Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen

What are the differences between chemical and physical sunscreens?

Physical Sunscreen also known as mineral sunscreen, sits on the top layer of the skin creating a barrier between your skin and the UV rays of the sun. The active ingredients in a physical sunscreen should be Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which help reflect and scatter the UV rays off of the skin. Because physical sunscreen sits on top and does not absorb into the skin this is often considered the "safer" sunscreen. 

Chemical Sunscreens protect the skin a little differently. The chemicals in the sunscreen will absorb into the skin slightly and protect the skin through a chemical reaction. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients such as oxybenzone, dioxybenzone, and avobenzone. If the active ingredients are not Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide then the sunscreen is chemical based (though there are a few that are chemical and physical hybrids). 

The way to keep younger looking skin is to ALWAYS wear your sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher. 

A few of our favorites here at Contour Dermatology and Cosmetics are:

ISDIN Ageless Tinted Sunscreen

ISDIN Actinica Sunscreen 

Dr. Patel's ALL Physical SPF 44 Tinted Sunscreen 

All three of the suncreens listed above can be bought in our office at 3180 Willow Lane Suite 216 Westlake Village, CA 91361 

Phone (805) 491-5992

Author

Dr. Mayha Patel Dr. Patel diagnoses conditions affecting the hair, skin, and nails, which often have a large impact on your self-image and confidence. Using exams, blood tests, biopsies, and other approaches, Dr. Patel frequently diagnoses eczema, psoriasis, alopecia, acne, and various types of skin cancer creating an individualized treatment plan with each patient’s needs in mind. In addition, as a board-certified dermatologist Dr. Patel has extensive cosmetic dermatology experience and knowledge in numerous state of the art interventional procedures in cosmetic dermatology such as botox®, fillers, microneedling, kybella, and thread lifts. Dr. Patel also specializes in facial contouring, concierge cosmetics, and laser based procedures. Dr. Patel frequently uses her dual wavelength laser system for treatment, as well as UV light therapies, prescription medications, and topical products with proven results.