Physical vs. chemical sunscreen
Posted Saturday, June 16, 2007
Sunscreens can be broken down into two types: physical and chemical. What kind are you using? Are you sure it’s the right one for you? Keep reading to learn about the differences between the two.
Physical sunscreens contain extremely fine particals of minerals such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxide that stay on the skin’s surface, creating a barrier that reflects the sun’s rays. Pros include its ability to keep skin cool, the protection is natural, and it’s unlikely to cause skin irritation because it doesn’t get absorbed. The con is that some people complain about is the heavy residue it can leave behind, but modern refining techniques are helping to prevent this in high-quality sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens contain synthetic compounds like parsol, benzophenones and paba as active ingredients, and they absorb ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn, damages DNA and can lead to skin cancer. Pros include its ability to defend the deeper layers of skin—including collagen fibers and other tissue—against the aging effects of UVA rays, and it prevents penetration by the UVB rays responsible for tanning and sunburn. Cons include irritation and allergic reactions in some people, as well as the tendency to break down quickly and generate free radicals.
Tags: allergy, benzophenones, collagen, DNA, free radicals, iron oxide, irritation, paba, parsol, sunburn, sunscreen, titanium dioxide, UVA, UVB, zinc oxide