Mineral And Chemical UV Filters
Did you know that are two kinds of UV filters used in sunscreen? And that there’s an important difference between the two? Here’s what you need to know.
Mineral UV filters sit on top of the skin and use active ingredients like Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. We love Zinc Oxide as it protects against UVA and UVB rays. Chemical UV filters rely on active ingredients – such as Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Octinoxate, and Oxybenzone (which has been linked to hormone disruption). Chemical UV filters take some 20 minutes to absorb into your skin before becoming active.
UV (ultra violet radiation) rays are broken down into two types: UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin to break down collagen and elastin and cause premature aging and are present daily at the almost equal intensity. UVB are burning rays responsible for reddening and burning the skin’s surface. These rays are primarily present on bright sunny days.
Tips for using a mineral face sunscreen:
- Begin with moisturized skin
- Rub the product in well, but don’t rub it off.
- Reapply every two hours and after swimming or heavy perspiration.
