
#ELTAMD MINERAL SUNSCREEN SKIN#
“There’s nothing that damages the skin as much as the sun,” Dr. (These folks should also consider avoiding products that contain dyes, parabens, and fragrances.)Īgain, the best mineral sunscreen is the one that you’re actually going to use (and reapply, ideally every two hours!). Kim encourages using mineral SPF formulas instead of chemical ones, as they tend to be less irritating for people with sensitive complexions. If you have rosacea, eczema, or another chronic skin condition, Dr. “Vitamin E could be helpful because SPF, in general, is a little on the oilier side, and vitamin E can help it blend really well in that formulation,” he says.įor face sunscreens specifically, ingredients like soothing niacinamide or hydrating hyaluronic acid are nice, but they’re not imperative-especially if you already apply a serum and face moisturizer in the morning. Kim recommends looking for one that contains vitamin E.

If you’re worried about mineral sunscreen blending into your skin tone, Dr. “SPF 50 covers 98%, so there’s actually only a 1% difference between 30 and 50.” “The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and dermatologists, in general, recommend SPF 30 and higher because that provides 97% of the UVB protection,” Dr. You should also pick a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, both UVA and UVB rays are harmful and can lead to skin cancer UVA rays are associated with skin aging, while UVB rays are associated with skin burning. Look for a sunscreen that has “broad-spectrum” on the label this means it protects against UVA and UVB rays. What should you look for when shopping for mineral sunscreen? Mineral and chemical sunscreens each have pros and cons, depending on your skin type and tone, but remember the general rule of thumb: Applying any sunscreen to protect your skin is better than using no sunscreen at all. The chemical filters don’t physically block the UV rays from penetrating the skin, but rather absorb the damage caused by the UV rays.” “They absorb the heat from the UV rays and dissipate it. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like avobenzone and octisalate, among others, David Kim, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, tells SELF. With the mineral SPF, the sunscreen actually sits on the skin’s surface and reflects the light hitting the skin.” That’s why you’ll sometimes hear mineral sunscreens referred to as “physical” sunscreens-they form a physical barrier between the skin and the UV rays. “Mineral sunscreens typically have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. “The key difference involves the active ingredient that’s actually screening the sun,” board-certified dermatologist Jerome Potozkin, MD, founder of PotozkinMD Skincare & Laser Center in California, tells SELF. What makes them different from each other comes down to how they protect the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen? Before we get into our favorites, we tapped a handful of dermatologists to give you the low-down on mineral SPF. These days, they have more blendable formulas-many of which claim to leave minimal or no white cast at all. In the past, many mineral sunscreens were dry, spread like paste, and might’ve left you looking like Casper on your beach day. But when you haven’t found one that works with your skin type or tone, sits well underneath the makeup you might be wearing, or is simply a pain to apply, it’s easy to get frustrated and skip it altogether. Below, check out the 11 best broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen face sticks you can buy.There’s no debate that sunscreen is one of the most crucial products for your skin-and overall health. Fahs says sunscreen sticks can be a great replacement for lotions if they are applied correctly.

"Rub it in a bit after applying to help ensure you don't have skip areas." She also recommends applying your sunscreen stick on dry skin so the formula "stays put." "The more the merrier in general, but I tell patients to apply for four passes back and forth on each area of application to make sure you get a good amount on," says Dr. Like any sunscreen, you have to apply the right amount of formula in order to have and maintain broad-spectrum protection. That's why we swipe on one of the best sunscreen sticks when we're in need of UV-ray protection.įatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Camden, Michigan, says broad-spectrum solid stick formulas perform just as well as lotions. With that being said, some of us come across a few issues when using a classic sunscreen lotion - white casts, greasy residue, and nauseating scents (which can irritate sensitive skin types) are just the start.

Sunscreen is the most essential part of your skin-care routine, but chances are you knew that already.
