Chemical vs Physical Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to choosing sunscreens, you have two major options to choose from – chemical and physical. If you do not know the difference between chemical vs physical Sunscreen, you can always ask a skin specialist in Andheri West and get more information on the same. These doctors say that no matter what sunscreen you choose as long as it has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 they are fine with it. Despite that, it must be acknowledged that there are some major differences between the physical and the chemical formulas. The chemical sunscreens get absorbed into your skin and then absorb the UV (ultraviolet rays). 

They consequently change these rays to heat and release them from your body. As the top dermatologist in Mumbai would tell you, these products contain several active ingredients and the most prominent among them are avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. On the other hand, physical sunscreen – or sunblock, as it is also referred to – sits on the top of your skin and reflects the rays of Sun. The most prominent active ingredients in these physical sunscreens are the minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

What are some other areas of difference between these products?

It is wrong to assume that the difference between these two kinds of products is limited to what has been said above.  

As you would learn at any good skin clinic in Mumbai, the physical sunblocks cause less irritation. This is why they are a lot better for people with sensitive skin. They moisturize the skin a lot more. This is why they may feel heavier on your skin. These products find it hard to fuse into your skin as easily as the chemical sunscreens do. These days, however, you have a lot of new brands offering different versions such as tinted and matte. This makes sure that they are not as white. 

This way, your skin appears to be a lot more even and smooth than would have happened otherwise. As your skin specialist in Andheri West would tell you, there are certain situations where chemical sunscreens are a much better option. In case you are swimming and need a formula that can resist water you should opt for the chemical sunscreens. Do you sweat a lot across the day? Do you take part in activities such as sports? If yes, you should be using the chemical sunscreens. Do you want a sunscreen that would get absorb quickly in your skin? Then it is but obvious that you should go for the chemical sunscreens. 

Things to look for while choosing a sunscreen

According to the top dermatologist in Mumbai no matter what kind of sunscreen you choose there are a few factors that you need to look into. First of all, it should be a broad-spectrum product – one that offers you protection from both UVB and UVA rays. It must not have any fragrance, oil, and paraben. It must be non-comedogenic. This means a product that would not clog your pores. The sunscreen must have an SPF of at least 30.    

How to buy sunscreen for sensitive and acne-prone skin?

If your skin is sensitive and prone to suffering from acne you need to get the correct sunscreen. Otherwise, you would suffer a breakout. In fact, by buying the right product you would be able to make your skin look a lot better as well. This is why when you are buying such a product you have to make sure that you read the label so that you get a product that is suitable for the kind of skin that you have. Otherwise, you may have to seek treatment at a skin clinic in Mumbai.