Let’s talk about sun protection.
Did you know there were two types of sunscreens? Before becoming a skin therapist, I had no idea of the science behind the screens (see what I did there? 😅).
Chemical and physical sunscreens make up most lotions, sprays, sticks, and gels that you see saturating the markets. There are so many to choose from!
It’s easy to gravitate towards the brand and packaging that you recognize. My family bought one kind of sunscreen growing up, and that’s what I grabbed off of the shelves every time I headed to the beach. Knowing what I know now as a skin therapist, I’ve branched out to different formulas, brands and even tried sunscreen for my hair! YES! There is “hair and scalp” sunscreen to protect your locks and scalp from the damage of UV rays.
The two types of sunscreen are Chemical and Physical. The difference between a chemical and physical sunscreen can make or break a person’s will to wear it. As an esthetician working on clients, one phrase I hear a lot is, “It breaks me out.” I understand that. No one wants to be on vacation and dealing with a breakout in all their pictures. But, you may have just been wearing the wrong type of sunscreen! CHECK YOUR INGREDIENTS!
Chemical Sunscreen’s active ingredients are Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, and Avobenzone (This form will look thinner in texture and sink into the skin like a lotion would. These chemicals absorb the UV light and emit it out of your body as heat.)
Physical Sunscreen’s active ingredients are Zinc oxide and Titanium oxide (This form sits on top of your skin and reflects the UV rays. The texture usually is thicker and more opaque.)
If you’ve used a chemical sunscreen before and you’ve had a reaction or sensitivity to that sunscreen, it will make you hesitant to try a different one. My recommendation is that people with sensitive skin look for a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens are usually better for sensitive skin or those who have reactive skin.
Sun protection is vital for decreasing your risk of skin cancers as well as a great anti-aging tool. The UV rays that hit our skin can cause so much damage without us knowing or even giving it a second thought. It can take up to ten years for damage that you’ve done to your skin to make it to the surface. Make sunscreen part of your skincare and makeup routine!
Below I’ve listed a few of my favorite sunscreens that we carry, both physical AND chemical!
COOLA - Classic Body Sunscreen (Pina Colada scented) This is a chemical sunscreen.
COOLA - Mineral Body Sunscreen (Tropical Coconut scented) This is a physical sunscreen that also comes in “Unscented.”
COOLA - Scalp & Hair Mist - This is a chemical sunscreen for your hair! If you have color-treated hair, protecting it can help your color last longer and aid in strengthening your hair and conditioning it.
Sorella Apothecary - Tropical Topical Matte SPF - a physical sunscreen for those with oily/acne-prone skin.
Sorella Apothecary - Quench and Protect Hydrating SPF - Hydrates and protects dry/dehydrated skin. Also great as a makeup base or primer!