Physical vs Chemical: which sunscreen is better
In this article we analyze the differences between the types of sunscreens.
To begin with, let's briefly go through the main characteristics of sunscreens.
Types and composition
In sunscreens, the main active component is sunscreen filters. To date, there are two types of filters that pursue the same goal (to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation), but go to it in different ways.
Physical Filters
Physical (mineral) filters are crushed minerals - titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They do not penetrate the epidermis, reflect the sun's rays from the surface of the skin, give it a whitish hue, are well tolerated by sensitive skin, have weak water resistance.
Chemical Filters
Chemical (organic) filters are complex compounds such as parsol 1789, octocrylene and benzene. They penetrate the skin and absorb ultraviolet light, converting solar energy into heat. They protect well from UVA rays, preventing photoaging. Water-resistant.
In sunscreens, the main active component is sunscreen filters. To date, there are two types of filters that pursue the same goal (to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation), but go to it in different ways.
Physical Filters
Physical (mineral) filters are crushed minerals - titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They do not penetrate the epidermis, reflect the sun's rays from the surface of the skin, give it a whitish hue, are well tolerated by sensitive skin, have weak water resistance.
Chemical Filters
Chemical (organic) filters are complex compounds such as parsol 1789, octocrylene and benzene. They penetrate the skin and absorb ultraviolet light, converting solar energy into heat. They protect well from UVA rays, preventing photoaging. Water-resistant.
Chemical filters are so called not because they contain some terrible chemistry (they are all of natural origin), but because these substances are absorbed into the stratum corneum of the epidermis and provoke a chemical reaction there that neutralizes UV rays. However, during this chemical reaction, the filter itself is destroyed, that is, such protection is short-lived.
Degree of protection SPF: what is it?
Sun Protection Factor (sun protection factor) indicates the amount of GMF rays that the cream blocks. For example:
SPF 30 — 93%;
SPF 50 (+) — 98–99%.
The abbreviation PPD (PA in the Asian market) indicates the degree of protection from the rays of the A spectrum. They do not cause burns, are not responsible for sunburn, but provoke photoaging, hyperpigmentation and neoplasms on the skin. If the ratio of SPF and PPD of the product tends to 2.5 or 3, then the label UVA or Broad Spectrum (wide spectrum of protection) appears on the package, meaning that the cream provides reliable protection of the skin from type A rays.
Sun Protection Factor (sun protection factor) indicates the amount of GMF rays that the cream blocks. For example:
SPF 30 — 93%;
SPF 50 (+) — 98–99%.
The abbreviation PPD (PA in the Asian market) indicates the degree of protection from the rays of the A spectrum. They do not cause burns, are not responsible for sunburn, but provoke photoaging, hyperpigmentation and neoplasms on the skin. If the ratio of SPF and PPD of the product tends to 2.5 or 3, then the label UVA or Broad Spectrum (wide spectrum of protection) appears on the package, meaning that the cream provides reliable protection of the skin from type A rays.
"
"
Important! No sunscreen provides one hundred percent protection from the sun, so there is no such thing as a "cream from tan"
As you can see above, each type of sunscreen has its own disadvantages and advantages. However, it is worth recalling that whichever sunscreen you choose, regular use seriously reduces the risk of getting skin cancer. Take care of yourself!
