Types of Sunscreen Mechanisms: Physical vs Chemical
It is important to understand how various types of sunscreens function. Ideally, sunscreens should contain active ingredients that build protective UV filters and prevent harmful sun rays from entering the skin. This is how they protect you from harmful UV rays, reduce sunburn, delay premature skin ageing, and reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, different products use different filtration mechanisms when it comes to sun protection, which brings us to the different types of sunscreens - physical (mineral) sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.
-
Physical Sunscreens
Also known as mineral sunscreens, these sit on the outermost layer of the skin and act as a physical barrier by diverting sun rays, much like tiny mirrors. As physical sunscreens directly block sun rays at the surface level, they can provide optimal protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. They also often contain active ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, or a combination of both. Since physical sunscreens act as a blocker, their power activates as soon as they are applied to the skin. Hence, you don’t need to wait for it to absorb into the skin before stepping out under the sun. This type of sunscreen needs to be frequently applied and may leave a whitish cast on your skin. Look for a sunscreen SPF 50 rating, especially in summer.
-
Chemical Sunscreens
Unlike physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreens go into the deeper layers of your skin. They work by absorbing the UV rays and converting them into heat before releasing them from the skin. The chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, octisalate, homosalate, avobenzone, or combinations. This type of sunscreen may not protect you from all the UV rays, as these rays need to enter deeper layers of skin to reach and activate the chemical sunscreen ingredients. Chemical sunscreens take approximately 20 minutes to exert their power so if you use this type of sunscreen, apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors. They also make for great water-resistant sunscreens as they get absorbed into your skin quickly. They are ideal for humid weather.
Types of Sunscreens for your Skin: Oily vs Dry Skin
While it’s important to understand the different types of sunscreen filters, it is equally important to assess how our skin reacts to them. You must opt for the kind of protection that suits your skin type - be it the best sunscreen for dry skin, sunscreen for oily skin, water-resistant, oil-free, or even SPF moisturisers. It starts with understanding your skin and surroundings to narrow down the best sunscreen for your face.
-
Sunscreen for Oily Skin
Finding a sunscreen for oily skin can get tricky. Oily skin types have overactive sebaceous glands that produce excessive sebum, resulting in a greasy and shiny skin surface. While looking for sunscreens for oily skin, you must check whether the product is non-greasy, helps mattify the skin, and extends grease-control benefits. You can even specifically look for oil-free sunscreen if excessive sebum is your problem. Try opting for water-based options if you tend to have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Our Recommendation: Try the L’Oréal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen Matte and Fresh. One of the best sunscreens for the face if you have oily skin, the sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ broad spectrum and protects against both UVA and UVB. This non-greasy sunscreen also comes with an oil control ingredient called Airlicium that can soak up to 7x its weight in sebum to reduce shine and pore visibility within seconds.
