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By now, you may have heard skincare experts say that sunscreen is essential to help reduce the likelihood of sunburn, skin cancer, and wrinkles. As the return to normal continues and the weather warms up, you may wish to incorporate sunscreen into your daily life to help protect yourself from the sun. Some dermatologists believe that mineral sunscreens are more popular than chemical sunscreens-in January 2021, Hawaii actually became the first state to ban the sale of chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octoxylate. But what is a chemical sunscreen? Why is mineral sunscreen better? In order for you to choose the best sunscreen for this summer, we consulted a certified dermatologist on the differences between the two and got advice on which sunscreens are worth buying.

No matter what type of sunscreen you use, experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. You should consider two types of sunscreen. Exposure to these two substances can be harmful in different ways.

According to Deborah Spey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of the Schweiger Dermatology Group, the biggest difference between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen is how they protect you. She emphasized that both types of SPF have been proven to be "safe and effective. Reduce short-term and long-term-long-term sunburn and skin cancer.

You may also encounter mineral sunscreens-such as the popular Blue Lizard Mineral-Based Face Sunscreen-which means that it is not a true mineral sunscreen because it contains both mineral and chemical active ingredients.

Although Spey and King both point out that mineral sunscreens have advantages over chemical sunscreens, King recommends that mineral sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens) are "suitable for everyone" because mineral sunscreens provide full spectrum coverage and are "easy to apply" And it looks great". Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens are "naturally broad-spectrum", which means that no matter which brand or variant you buy, they can provide protection against UVA and UVB rays as a benchmark.

Spey said mineral sunscreens are mild enough for children and people with sensitive skin and provide "unquestionable safety and effectiveness." This is not the case with chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens have been shown to be partially absorbed into the skin: However, in a January 2020 study on the matter, the FDA pointed out that "absorption is not equal to risk" and still recommends the use of broad-spectrum sunscreens . Sunscreen (does not explain any difference between mineral and chemical SPF)-of course, when exposed to the sun, also wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.

Mineral sunscreens “provide immediate protection without having to apply them in advance and wait for them to be absorbed,” Spey said. The non-profit skin cancer foundation usually recommends applying sunscreen (regardless of the type of sunscreen) 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapplying it approximately every two hours. Spey explained that while mineral sunscreens "absolutely" wipe off, sweat and rinse off, they last longer in direct sunlight, which means they require less reapplication than chemical sunscreens .

The MD we consulted pointed out that there are some things that mineral sunscreens cannot do, as well as some inconveniences caused by using it.

Spey points out that spray mineral sunscreens tend to be "a little sticky," but they usually "become invisible" after rubbing them into the skin. Mineral sunscreens may also make the skin feel heavy. King recommends testing the mineral SPF before applying it completely to help ensure that they do not leave white spots on the skin.

Buying mineral sunscreen is a relatively simple process-some bottles will have "mineral sunscreen" written directly on the front, which makes it easy to identify. Other times, you need to read the label and pay attention to active ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sometimes both.

Mineral sunscreens are available in a variety of formulations, from lotions and sticks to sprays and brushes. Spey is a fan of spray mineral sunscreens from Sun Bum, BeautyCounter and Elta MD. In addition to classic sunscreen brands such as Banana Boat and Neutrogena, some other popular physical SPF brands include Cetaphil, Supergoop!, Drunk Elephant and Coola.

You can also buy mineral sunscreens wherever SPF is sold, including Walmart, Target, Amazon, and your local CVS and Walgreens. Beauty retailers such as Sephora, Ulta and Dermstore, as well as shopping readers' favorite department stores such as Nordstrom and Macy's also sell mineral sunscreens.

Now that you have a better understanding of what to consider and where to buy mineral sunscreens, we have collected sunscreens recommended by dermatologists, as well as other popular mineral sunscreens in our extensive skin care coverage. Since some physical sunscreens leave white shadows, we also offer several mineral sunscreens, specially designed for those with darker skin tones.

As one of the best sunscreens for dark skin, Unsun is recommended by Chloe Hall, the digital beauty director of King and ELLE. King pointed out that the mineral SPF contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxide, leaving no white castings. The combination of shea butter and coconut, olive oil and safflower seed oil also helps to moisturize the skin.

Spey described this "innovative" colored mineral screen as "ultra-light" and emphasized that it uses peptides and antioxidants to provide UV protection, minimize signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles) and "repair existing UV rays." Sun damage caused by".

According to Spey, ISDIN's "easy to carry" brush applicator dispenses "silk-like fine powder" containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mica and iron oxide, which together provide protection against ultraviolet, blue and infrared radiation. "Carry it with you to get complete protection and easy reapplication even after makeup."

One of Spey's "favorite" mineral sunscreens is this "light, almost hydrating" SPF from SkinCeuticals, which provides "light and invisible protection" without clogging pores or aggravating acne. It has "antioxidant-rich" plankton, which Spey says can enhance the skin's natural defenses against sunlight. SkinCeuticals also creates mineral SPF for the delicate eyelid area.

King pointed out that this "easy, creamy" mineral sunscreen is "dry" and oil-free, which is helpful for oily or acne-prone skin. Skinbetter Science claims that you can also use this SPF as a base makeup, under foundation and concealer.

Jin pointed out that this mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide "light consistency and coverage." Revision Skincare claims that the iron oxide in the formula provides a "self-adjusting universal tone."

Blue Lizard's cream sunscreen is fragrance-free and paraben-free, which is helpful for people with sensitive skin. The brand claims that this waterproof sunscreen utilizes zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum sun protection. It has an average rating of 4.7 stars from nearly 4,080 reviews on Amazon.

According to King, this mineral sunscreen is rich in antioxidants and contains niacinamide, a popular skin care ingredient that can help improve skin tone and texture. Another selling point of King is that this Colorscience sunscreen prevents infrared radiation, which can cause hyperpigmentation. The brand also produced a stick-shaped version of Total Protection, which King pointed out that it is convenient for outdoor exercise and is "unlikely to hit the eyes."

King also recommended Ghost Democracy's "non-greasy and non-greasy" SPF because it does not leave chalky residues. According to Jin, in addition to being formulated with zinc oxide, it also contains artichoke leaves and turmeric extract, both of which have antioxidant properties.

As one of the best sunscreens for acne-prone skin, King previously pointed out that this SPF can be applied as a setting powder on the face and body to help extend the durability of makeup. It uses a combination of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and antioxidants to provide sun protection and protection from free radicals.

Board-certified dermatologist Orit Markowitz, MD, previously rated this Naturopathica sunscreen as one of the best sunscreens for indoor use. She pointed out that it has a "smooth but thick effect" and "smells divine." In addition, it is made from green tea extract rich in antioxidants, which has anti-aging effects.

Correction (12:25 PM EST, June 7, 2021): The previous version of this article incorrectly included Blue Lizard mineral sunscreen instead of just mineral sunscreen.

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Nicole Saunders is the former deputy business editor of NBC News Select, covering health and lifestyle.

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