Physical Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen: Which is Best for Your Skin and the Ocean?

The sun can be both beneficial and harmful to our skin. It provides us with vitamin D, but it can also cause skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. That's why it's important to protect our skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, and one way to do that is by using sunscreen. However, not all sunscreens are created equal, and it's important to understand the differences between physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen, as well as the impact that sunscreens can have on the ocean, before choosing one that's best for your skin and the environment.

Physical sunscreen, also known as mineral sunscreen, uses minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. These minerals sit on top of the skin and reflect the UV rays, which is why physical sunscreen is sometimes referred to as "sunblock." Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, uses chemicals such as avobenzone and oxybenzone to absorb the UV rays.

One of the main advantages of physical sunscreen is that it is considered to be more gentle on the skin. It is less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin. Additionally, physical sunscreen is also considered to be more environmentally friendly, as some chemical sunscreens have been shown to harm coral reefs and marine life when they wash off of our skin into the ocean.

Another advantage of physical sunscreen is that it starts working as soon as it is applied, while chemical sunscreen needs to be applied 15-20 minutes before sun exposure to be effective. This makes physical sunscreen a more convenient choice for people who are always on the go.

Physical sunscreen is also considered to be more effective for people with darker skin tones. Unlike chemical sunscreen, it is less likely to leave a white cast or cause a skin