Physical vs chemical sunscreen, which one should you choose for your skin?

Quoted from makeup, sun care, and skin care knowledge here!

In the hot summer, sun protection is a necessary skin care step for everyone! But have you ever wondered, "What is the difference between physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen?" In fact, each has its own advantages and exhibits different characteristics in terms of sun protection effects. Physical sunscreen is like putting on a layer of armor for the skin, which can quickly block ultraviolet rays; while chemical sunscreen prevents skin damage through absorption. So, which one should you choose for your skin? Let us debunk this sunscreen myth today and find the sunscreen product that suits you best so that you can be fearless in the sun.

The practical advice from this article is as follows (read on for more details)

1. Choose the type of sunscreen according to your skin condition: If you have sensitive skin, such as skin that is prone to redness, dryness, or is easily allergic to chemical ingredients, it is recommended to give priority to physical sunscreen because it is gentle and non-irritating and can effectively reduce the risk of allergies. If you are looking for a refreshing texture, want something that is light and not prone to whitening, then chemical sunscreen is more suitable for you.
2. Suitable usage scenarios: If you need to be outdoors for a long time, such as mountain climbing or outdoor sports, it is recommended to choose physical sunscreen because its protective effect is more lasting and is not easily washed away by sweat or water. If you are just commuting or going out for a short time, you can choose chemical sunscreen, which is convenient and quick to apply.
3. Combination use: If you are outdoors for a long time and want to pursue a refreshing texture, you can try to use physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen in combination. For example, use physical sunscreen as a base in the morning and apply chemical sunscreen in the afternoon, so that you can have both protective effect and lightness.

You can refer to the savior of red and peeling skin: the ultimate guide

Analysis of ingredients of physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen

Sunscreen products are like the guardian of our skin, protecting it from the sun's ultraviolet rays. The wide variety of sunscreen products on the market can be divided into two categories: physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. The two sun protection mechanisms are completely different, which also creates their own advantages and disadvantages. If you want to choose the sunscreen that suits you best, you must first understand its ingredients.

The Secret Weapon of Physical Sunscreen

The secret weapons of physical sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They act like tiny reflectors on the skin, physically reflecting UV rays and preventing them from penetrating the skin. The biggest advantage of physical sunscreens is that they are gentle and non-irritating because they are not absorbed by the skin, but instead form a thin protective film to block out ultraviolet rays. This also makes physical sunscreen the best choice for sensitive skin, effectively reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Common physical sunscreen products on the market include:

• Cream: Thicker texture, suitable for dry or sensitive skin.
• Lotion: Light texture, suitable for oily or combination skin.
• Pressed powder: easy to carry and can be used as a touch-up.
• Spray: easy to use, suitable for large areas.

The disadvantage of physical sunscreen is that it may be a little thick because it needs to form a protective film, and may leave white marks after application. Especially for people with darker skin, they need to carefully choose the product and application method.

The Secret of Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens protect the skin by absorbing UV rays and releasing them as heat. Common chemical sunscreen ingredients include:

• Avobenzone: Protects against UVA rays.
• Octinoxate: Protects against UVB rays.
• Zinc Oxide: Protects against UVA and UVB rays.
• Titanium Dioxide: Protects against UVA and UVB rays.

The advantages of chemical sunscreen are that it is light in texture, easier to absorb, and less likely to leave white marks. Therefore, it is loved by many people who pursue a refreshing texture.

Comparison of the effectiveness of physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen

After understanding the principles of physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen, let's compare their differences in actual use.

Advantages of physical sunscreen

• Gentle and non-irritating : Physical sunscreen mainly reflects ultraviolet rays and will not be absorbed by the skin. Therefore, it is relatively gentle, more suitable for sensitive skin, and less likely to cause allergic reactions.
• Broad-spectrum protection : Physical sunscreen can block both UVA and UVB rays, providing more comprehensive sun protection.
• Long-lasting and durable : Physical sunscreen ingredients are relatively stable and not easily decomposed by light, so the sunscreen effect can last longer.
• High safety : Physical sunscreen ingredients are generally considered safe and suitable for long-term use, including for pregnant women and children.

Advantages of chemical sunscreen

• Light texture : Chemical sunscreen is usually lighter and thinner than physical sunscreen, easier to apply, and more easily absorbed by the skin without leaving obvious white marks.
• Good sun protection effect : Chemical sunscreen is better at absorbing ultraviolet rays and can effectively block the damage of ultraviolet rays.
• Lower price : Chemical sunscreen is generally cheaper than physical sunscreen.

Whether you should choose physical sunscreen or chemical sunscreen depends on your personal skin type and needs. If you have sensitive skin, or are concerned about irritation and allergies, it is recommended that you choose physical sunscreen. If you're looking for a lightweight feel, or need stronger sun protection, consider chemical sunscreen. But please be sure to choose the product that suits you and use it correctly according to the product instructions to achieve the best sun protection effect.

Physical sunscreen vs. chemical sunscreen, choose the right protective barrier for you

Faced with a wide variety of sunscreen products, have you ever felt confused and didn’t know which one to choose? Physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Only by understanding their differences can you choose the most suitable sunscreen for your skin.

How to choose the right sunscreen for you?

First, assess your skin condition and needs to find the most suitable sunscreen product.

• Sensitive skin: It is recommended to choose physical sunscreen, which is more suitable for sensitive skin and less likely to cause irritation and allergies. Physical sunscreens usually use ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to form a physical barrier, reflect ultraviolet rays and reduce irritation to the skin.
• Oily skin: You can choose a physical sunscreen with a refreshing texture, or a light chemical sunscreen. However, you need to be careful to choose a non-comedogenic formula and pay attention to whether it makes acne worse after use.
• Pursuing a light texture: Chemical sunscreens are usually thinner and more transparent, and absorb faster, making them suitable for people who pursue a light texture. However, you need to be careful to choose mild, low-irritation chemical sunscreen products, and observe whether sensitivity or irritation occurs after use.
• Outdoor activities: For people who engage in long periods of outdoor activities, it is recommended to choose sunscreen products with a higher sun protection factor (SPF) and a stronger sun protection breadth (PA), and remember to reapply them in a timely manner.

Here are some tips for choosing sunscreen products:

• Pay attention to ingredients: Choose sunscreen products with safe ingredients and low irritation, and pay attention to whether they contain ingredients such as fragrances and alcohol that may irritate the skin.
• Pay attention to texture: choose a texture that suits your skin type, such as refreshing, moisturizing, antioxidant, etc., and pay attention to whether the product is easily absorbed and whether it will cause greasy or stuffy skin.
• Check the sunscreen expiration date: Sunscreen products also have a shelf life. Pay attention to the expiration date when purchasing and use it within the expiration date to achieve the best sunscreen effect.

Physical sunscreen vs. chemical sunscreen, choose the right protective barrier for you

feature	Physical sunscreen	Chemical sunscreen
principle	Forms a physical barrier to reflect UV rays	Absorbs ultraviolet rays and converts them into heat energy
Element	Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide	Chemical sunscreens, such as Octinoxate, Oxybenzone
advantage	Gentle, non-irritating, suitable for sensitive skin, long-lasting	Light texture, fast absorption, long-lasting sun protection effect
shortcoming	Thicker texture, may turn white, less water-resistant	May irritate sensitive skin, easily decomposed by sunlight, and requires frequent reapplication
Suitable for skin type	Sensitive skin, allergy prone skin	Oily skin, seeking a light texture
Applicable scenarios	Daily sun protection, outdoor activities	Daily sun protection, outdoor activities

When choosing a sunscreen product, whether you prefer physical or chemical sunscreen, the key is to find the one that best suits your skin. Physical sunscreen is like holding up a protective umbrella for the skin, which can instantly reflect ultraviolet rays and is especially suitable for sensitive skin; while chemical sunscreen absorbs ultraviolet rays and converts them into heat, making the skin feel lighter and more breathable, and is perfect for people who pursue freshness. When choosing, don't forget to pay attention to the sun protection factor (SPF) and sun protection breadth (PA) so that you can prescribe the right medicine and protect your skin. Remember to reapply sunscreen regularly so that the sunscreen effect can be maximized and truly protect against those dazzling ultraviolet rays.

Frequently Asked Questions Quick FAQ

Which one is more effective, physical sunscreen or chemical sunscreen?

Both physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen have their own advantages, and there is no absolute effective one. Physical sunscreen protects the skin by reflecting ultraviolet rays. The sunscreen effect is stable, not easily affected by the environment, and is suitable for sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing ultraviolet rays and converting them into heat. Their effectiveness may be affected by the environment, but their texture is light and thin and they are more easily absorbed by the skin. You need to choose a suitable sunscreen product according to your skin condition and needs.

How to choose the right sunscreen product for you?

• Skin condition: For sensitive skin, it is recommended to choose physical sunscreen, and for oily skin, you can choose a physical sunscreen with a refreshing texture or a light chemical sunscreen.
• Sun Protection Factor (SPF): SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which indicates the ability of a product to block UVB radiation. Choose the appropriate SPF value based on the activity time and environment.
• Sun protection breadth (PA): PA stands for sun protection breadth, which represents the product's ability to block UVA radiation. Choosing products with high PA values ​​can provide more comprehensive sun protection.
• Texture: Choose a texture that suits your skin type, such as refreshing, moisturizing, antioxidant, etc., and pay attention to whether the product is easily absorbed and whether it will cause greasy or stuffy skin.
• Ingredients: Choose sunscreen products with safe and low-irritation ingredients, and pay attention to whether they contain ingredients such as fragrances and alcohol that may irritate the skin.

Do physical and chemical sunscreens cancel each other out?

Physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen have different mechanisms and will not cancel each other out. You can use two sunscreen products at the same time as needed. For example, apply chemical sunscreen first, and then use physical sunscreen powder or spray to reapply, which can achieve a more comprehensive sun protection effect.