@holistic.le: Another visual by @helloavabeauty (on Insta) that I’m obsessed with!! This animation depicts so perfectly how both chemical and physical/mineral sunscreens work. I’ve also added in my favourite acne and sensitive skin-safe options for each category. How do mineral/physical and chemical sunscreens differ? Mineral/physical sunscreens REFLECT UV rays by creating a physical barrier on the surface of the skin to prevent sun damage.* Chemical sunscreens ABSORB UV rays and convert them into low-energy heat to be then released from the skin to prevent sun damage. PHYSICAL/MINERAL SUNSCREEN Include: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. PROS: considered very safe and non-toxic; great for sensitive and post-procedure skin. CONS: less-cosmetically elegant; can leave a “white cast” appearance on the skin (but formulations have come a long way and this isn’t the case with the ones I recommended). CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS Include: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. PROS: cosmetically elegant formulas; take 15-30 minutes to work (that’s why they need to be applied before sun exposure). CONS: less “clean” –concerns arise over the systemic absorption of these chemicals and their long-term impacts on hormonal, developmental and immune health. Either way, wearing your sunscreen is the #1 best way to prevent photoaging and inflammation of the skin. 💛 As always, I hope this helps 🥰☀️ *Modern research now shows that both chemical and physical/mineral sunscreens both primarily absorb UV light with mineral/physical sunscreens having slight reflective action. #spf #sundamage #sunscreenviral #sunscreenacne

Leah Honiball

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Region: CA

Friday 01 May 2026 00:22:14 GMT