We’ll speed it up: sunscreen A non-negotiable part of any skin care routine, but it shouldn’t leave your skin red, inflamed or itchy. If this happens, ditch your current SPF and check out some of the best mineral sunscreens on the market, which you’ll read about shortly. For the Most Part, Any Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Is Better None But let’s be real: They’re not all created equal.
“Chemical sunscreens can be irritating and allergenic for some people,” explains Adarsh ​​Vijay Moudgil, MD a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Mudgil Dermatology in New York City. Board-certified dermatologist Corey L., founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, tells SELF. According to Hartmann, some people are “25 percent of all people”, he pointed out. Allure
If this statement rings true for you, it’s time to consider a physical sunscreen with a non-chemical shield. Due to the “organic, inert and hypoallergenic” formula, they reduce the risk of irritation to practically zero, explains Dr. Moudgil. Incidentally, sunscreens that do not contain chemical protectants are generally healthier for coral reefs. (In fact, Hawaii just banned the sale of products with the chemical filters oxybenzone and octinoxate altogether.) Take the term “reef-safe” with a grain of salt, though, because it’s not regulated.
Mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin, physically reflecting and scattering “a wide range of UV wavelengths,” as New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, explained. allure, These wavelengths include UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn, and UVA rays, which cause long-term issues like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and skin cancer. Another bonus of mineral formulas: They’re photostable and don’t have to be reapplied as often as chemical sunscreens.
So, how do you determine that an SPF formula doesn’t rely on chemicals to keep your skin shielded? According to Dr. Moudgil, “Chemical free sunscreen is a must Only is includedzinc oxide or titanium dioxide [or a mix of both] as their active ingredients.” (It is important to note that there are some formulas that contain the above ingredients, plus Chemical-based sunscreen compounds, so always triple-check.)
We’ll be the first to admit that we’ve tried our fair share of mineral sunblocks that leave a white cast, prove difficult to rub off, and/or suffocate the skin. But, thankfully, more refined and cosmetically elegant formulations—especially those that earn the brown-girl stamp of approval—are coming out of looks by the day.
Below, check out the 17 best sunscreens formulated with mineral filters that will provide adequate sun protection (SPF 30 or higher, always) and make reapplication a much less daunting task.
