What are the benefits of mineral sunscreen?

What makes a sunscreen mineral?

Mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both as its active sunscreen ingredients. Zinc oxide protects against UVA and UVB rays; titanium dioxide provides particularly strong UVB protection. UVA contributes to premature aging, while UVB is the main cause of sunburn. Both contribute to skin cancer. Mineral filters primarily absorb UV radiation and turn it into a small amount of heat, while also reflecting and scattering some UV light.12

Who benefits most from mineral sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreen is a useful option if chemical sunscreen irritates your skin. For rosacea or skin that stings or burns when sunscreen is applied, choose a sunscreen whose active filters are only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and avoid fragrance. For sensitive skin, look for a sensitive skin label and avoid fragrance, parabens and oxybenzone. For oily or acne prone skin, look for noncomedogenic or won't clog pores on the label rather than choosing by the mineral label alone.3

Does tinted mineral sunscreen have extra benefits?

Tinted mineral sunscreens containing iron oxides add protection against visible light, which can worsen dark spots, particularly in darker skin tones. A tint that matches your skin tone also helps avoid white residue. Mineral sunscreen can leave a white or gray cast, giving an otherwise useful product an unnecessarily theatrical entrance. Keep the same requirements for a tinted formula: SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection and water resistance.123

What are the drawbacks?

Mineral formulas tend to feel thicker and heavier, and can take more effort to spread. Chemical formulas tend to feel lighter and blend more easily, so the word mineral is not a texture upgrade. Modern mineral formulas can leave less visible residue than older ones. Choose a finish you will wear regularly rather than treating either sunscreen category as automatically better.4

Can you use mineral sunscreen during pregnancy?

Many dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreen during pregnancy because zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are absorbed very little through the skin and have a long history of use during pregnancy. Chemical sunscreen can also be appropriate. Daily sunscreen is particularly useful because pregnancy can increase the likelihood of melasma, patches of darker skin that sun exposure makes more noticeable.1

How do you get the full benefit?

1. 1Choose broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher with water resistance. Broad spectrum covers UVA and UVB; SPF mainly describes protection against sunburn.
2. 2Apply to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors. Use sunscreen every day on exposed skin when you will be outside, including cloudy days.
3. 3Use at least 1 teaspoon for your face. Most adults need about 1 ounce to cover skin not covered by clothing, with more needed depending on body size.
4. 4Cover commonly missed areas, including your ears, neck, hairline and tops of your feet. Protect your lips with SPF 30 or higher lip balm.
5. 5Reapply approximately every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating, following the bottle's directions.

Water resistant does not mean waterproof. Check whether the label specifies 40 or 80 minutes of protection while swimming or sweating. Keep the container away from excessive heat and direct sunlight, and discard expired sunscreen.5

Sunscreen cannot fully protect you on its own. Use shade, protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses too, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.12