Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen: Which Is Right for You?
Sunscreen is the single most valuable thing you can do for your skin, so it is worth understanding what you are putting on. The most common question I am asked is whether mineral or chemical sunscreen is better. Both protect your skin when used properly, but they work differently, and one may suit you more than the other. Here is the nurse's version.
How they work
Mineral sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens) use minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They sit on the surface of the skin and largely reflect and scatter UV. Chemical sunscreens use filters that absorb UV and convert it to a small amount of heat that is released from the skin. Both can achieve broad-spectrum SPF50+, the standard I recommend.
Which suits which skin
- Sensitive, reactive or treated skin often does best with mineral. Zinc is gentle and starts protecting as soon as it is applied. The Pretty in Zinc SPF50+ is my mineral pick.
- Skin that wants an invisible, weightless feel may prefer a lightweight formula that disappears completely, such as the Clear as Day SPF50+.
- Fragrance-sensitive skin should look for a fragrance-free option like the Fragrance Free Clear as Day SPF50+.
The honest truth
The best sunscreen is the one you will actually wear every single day, generously and reliably. A perfect mineral formula that feels heavy and gets skipped protects you less than a lightweight one you reapply happily. Every sunscreen in the Airyday SPF50+ range is TGA-listed and made to feel light enough to wear daily, which is exactly why I stock it.
After a treatment, go mineral
If your skin is healing after a peel or skin needling, I recommend a gentle mineral SPF and careful sun avoidance. You can read why in my guide to SPF after skin treatments. To choose the right daily sunscreen for your skin, book a skin consultation in Brisbane.
Nurse Lisa, The Glow Co. Aesthetics