Ditch Your Regular SPF and Use Mineral Sunscreen for Your Skin Instead

Finding the perfect sunscreen for your face can be a challenge — your skin is usually more sensitive on your face than elsewhere on your body. And many people hate the feeling of conventional creams and lotions. If you’re still looking for a facial sun protection product which suits your skin type, mineral sunscreen could be the answer!

What is mineral sunscreen?

Conventional sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone which sit on the skin and protect it by absorbing the UV rays from the sun. While these chemicals are considered safe to use in sun protection products, they can cause problems for people with sensitive skin and can irritate your eyes.

If you’ve ever ended up with red, itchy eyes when you’ve applied sun cream to your face, it is probably due to the chemical filters in the product. In contrast, mineral sunscreens don’t absorb the sun’s harmful rays, they deflect them instead.

Mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide create a protective seal over the skin, reflecting UV rays so they don’t get the chance to penetrate your skin. And mineral sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB radiation, while many products with chemical filters will only work against UVB rays.

UVB radiation is the one which will cause sunburn, which is why most sun care products were developed to tackle it. But UVA radiation can be harmful too and can cause sun spots and wrinkles. Both UVA and UVB radiation have been linked to skin cancer.

Does mineral sunscreen leave a white residue on your face?

Some people are put off the idea of trying mineral sunscreen on their face as they have heard it can leave a white, chalky residue behind. When mineral sunscreens were first released on the market, many did leave a thick, white residue on the skin. However advances in technology mean most manufacturers have now found a way around this problem.

Most mineral sunscreens now contain much smaller particles than they used to so they can be better absorbed by the skin. This means you shouldn’t be able to tell you’re wearing a mineral sunscreen.

Who should use mineral sunscreen?

Anyone can use mineral sunscreen — it is down to personal preference — but it can be particularly helpful for people who have experienced skin irritation from chemical sun creams, lotions or sprays.

People with sensitive skin or those who suffer from acne, eczema, allergies, or other skin conditions may find that a mineral sunscreen like Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 (Buy at Walmart, $5.39) suits them better than one with chemical ingredients, particularly on their face. So this sunscreen will definitely shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays all summer long!

This article originally appeared on our sister site, First For Women.