Sunscreen is an essential part of any good skincare routine. Regardless of your ethnicity or skin tone, sunscreen is vital to protect your skin from damage caused by the sun. While it is true that those with darker skin tones are less likely to show visible signs of sun damage, such as sunburn, redness, or freckles, this does not mean that they are exempt from the damaging effects of the sun or skin cancer.
With so many skincare treatments, you may wonder where your sunscreen should fit into your daily routine. The answer is that it depends on the sunscreen you use. This article will discuss the two most common types of sunscreen and how you should use them.
Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen
I am almost 40 years old, and to be very honest with you, I had no idea there were two different types of sunscreen until a few weeks ago while shopping for sunscreen. I noticed that some sunscreens said “mineral sunscreen,” so my curiosity peaked, and I decided to do some research, which I will share with you!
Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens are made up of the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Mineral sunscreens do not absorb into your skin. Instead, they protect you by creating a barrier on your face that reflects UV light. Mineral sunscreens actually offer the best protection. However, you may notice that sunscreens made of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide often leave a white cast on your face. For those of us with darker skin, this may be unappealing, so many of us may use Chemical sunscreen instead.
Chemical Sunscreen
The most common chemical sunscreens are those made with active ingredients such as avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. Chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin. When UV rays hit your skin, the chemicals in the sunscreen convert those UV rays into heat, which releases them from the body.
Should you apply your sunscreen or moisturizer first?
Since mineral sunscreens create a protective barrier, they should be the last item in your morning skincare routine. They should then be applied every two hours. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen must be absorbed into your skin to be effective. Therefore, a chemical sunscreen should be applied after cleansing and toning your skin, but BEFORE moisturizing.
Regardless of which type of sunscreen you use, it is important to let each layer of a product completely penetrate the skin before adding the next.
