Types of Sunscreen: Which One Offers the Best Protection for Your Skin?
This article will educate readers about the different types of sunscreens available, their unique benefits, and which one offers the best protection for their skin, with a focus on Medik8 sunscreen products for enhanced sun protection.
Harmful UV rays can cause premature aging, sunburns, even skin cancer. Without the best type of sunscreen​ used on a regular basis, you are more likely to sustain damage from UV and other environmental pollutants in small, regular doses like gardening, standing outside in your driveway to talk to a friend, or waiting for a train.
While most people associate sunscreen usage with a summer holiday and the beach, this is something that should be a regular part of your skincare routine. However, choosing the right sunscreen can be difficult when there are so many different types of sunscreen​ and different categorizations.
Understanding Different Types of Sunscreens
So, what are the main types of sunscreen creams?
#1. Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens are some of the most common sunscreens on the market. They are very lightweight and they easily blend into the skin which makes them an ideal consideration for anyone who wants to put on sunscreen in the morning underneath their makeup.
They work by way of active ingredients that absorb UV rays much like a sponge so that the UV rays get converted into heat instead of damaging the skin. This heat gets released instead of absorbed.
However, with these types of sunscreen creams you'll have to reapply rather frequently especially if you have been sweating heavily or swimming and you always have to apply at least 20 minutes before you go outside.
What Makes Them Different:
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, preventing the skin from being damaged.
Best for:
Those with normal to oily skin who prefer a lightweight feel. Chemical sunscreens tend to be thinner and can be absorbed quickly.
Popular Ingredients:
Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate
#2. Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens, called mineral sunscreens, use naturally occurring minerals as the active ingredients. They remain on top of the skin and create a physical barrier that scatters any UV rays away from your skin so they don't penetrate the skin.
These can be much thicker in their consistency so they feel heavy on the skin unlike chemical sunscreens which are often non-greasy and very lightweight. They can also be difficult to spread evenly because of that thick consistency but they don't have to be reapplied as frequently as a chemical sunscreen.
Compared to chemical sunscreens, which can cause irritation for people with sensitive skin, mineral or physical sunscreens provide effective protection without any irritation or allergies.
What Makes Them Different:
Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting UV rays away.
Best for:
Sensitive or acne-prone skin. These sunscreens are less likely to cause irritation and often contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Popular Ingredients
Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide
#3. Hybrid Sunscreens
Hybrid sunscreen types are a combination of chemical and physical sunscreens. They have the chemical attributes that convert UV rays into heat as well as the mineral attributes that scatter UV rays away from the skin.
These different types of sunscreens are less likely to cause irritation compared to chemical offers alone, and they have a higher sweat and water resistance then mineral.
What Makes Them Different:
Hybrid sunscreens combine both mineral and chemical ingredients to offer broad-spectrum protection.
Best for:
Those who want the benefits of both types but with a more flexible formula. Ideal for sensitive skin, but also works well for general use.
#4. Water-Resistant Sunscreens
Of all the sunscreen cream types, water-resistant tends to be the most durable for those who are active. These are designed to remain on your skin even if you are sweating heavily, swimming, or otherwise engaging in physical activities. That said, much like the many different types of sunscreen options on the market, they still have to be reapplied regularly; you can't get away with putting on a water-resistant sunscreen at the start of your beach holiday and not reapplying throughout the rest of the day.
What Makes Them Different:
What Makes Them Different:
Best for:
People who plan to swim or engage in outdoor sports.
Duration of Protection:
Often labeled with "40 minutes" or "80 minutes" of water resistance, so check the label of the products you are using and always be sure to reapply if you are sweating heavily or otherwise engaged in water sports.
Choosing the Best Type of Sunscreen for Your Skin
How do you choose the best sunscreen types for your skin?
- Sensitive skin: Those with sensitive skin work better with physical or mineral sunscreens. These different types of sunscreens have nonirritating ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, so they won't cause any additional irritation or allergies.
- Oily or acne-prone skin: Those who have oily skin or are prone to acne would do better with a lightweight, chemical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens tend to be less greasy and much lighter so they are better for people who already have acne prone or oily skin because they won't exacerbate any oil production or clog the pores. It's important to choose formulas that are non-comedogenic.
- Dry skin: Those who have dry skin should look for hydrating, hybrid options that include moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to help keep skin hydrated while providing sun protection.
No matter the type of skin you have, if you lead an active lifestyle, water resistant sunscreens are going to be best. So, if you are exercising, swimming, or spending a lot of time outdoors, pick a water resistant sunscreen to make sure that as you get wet or as you sweat you don't lose that extra protection.
Why Try Medik8 Sunscreen Product Options
The best type of sunscreen might very well be Medik8 sunscreen, a daily protection that offers high performance protection against UVB and UVA rays, preventing up to 80% of sun exposure-based premature ageing. The formula provides a non-greasy, lightweight foundation that is simple and easy to wear on a daily basis with premium chemical sun filters as the primary ingredients.
Types of Sunscreen for Face
There are many types of sunscreen products from Medik8, including:
In each of these, you have different Medik8 sunscreen ingredients.
The Advanced Day Total Protect, for example, contains SPF 30 protection against UVA and UVB rays as well as Environmental Protection against infrared damage, blue light, and air pollution. The product is designed as an all-in-one moisturizer that hydrates and protects your skin against UV rays through advanced UV filters, Moringa extract, and carnosine.
The Advanced Day Ultimate Protect has Medik8 sunscreen ingredients that offer SPF 50 and above protection against UV damage, environmental pollution, and UV rays with a Total Environmental defense option, hydration, and daily protection against sun damage. The formula contains key ingredients such as:
- Advanced UV filters that provide skin-friendly sun protection
- DNA repair enzymes that help repair UV-induced signs of aging
- An environmental shield ingredient with natural oils and extracts that prevent environmental damage
The Medik8 sunscreen ingredients in the Daily Radiance Vitamin C product offer SPF 30 protection, with protection against UV damage and premature aging, as well as Vitamin C to visibly brighten, moderate, and smooth out your skin tone and complexion. This, like many of the other products, offers a form of sunscreen and moisturizer with the added benefit of anti-aging support.
Summing Up
There are many different types of sunscreen, and depending on your activity or your skin tone, the best type of sunscreen will vary. What matters most is that you choose the right sunscreen for maximum protection. At Dermoi we offer a sunscreen range for scientifically formulated products that not only protect against harmful UV rays but also improve skin health. Start reviewing different types of sunscreen for face health today.
At Dermoi, we bring you a unique concept store dedicated to scientifically-verified skincare. Our experienced scientific team carefully studies and selects and each product, ensuring only the most potent and effective options make it to our shelves. With Dermoi, you can be confident in using products that are high-quality and advanced.
For any questions about your skincare routine or product recommendations, ourscientific team is available for support. Feel free to reach us by email at [email protected] or call (0)20 3963 9930, Monday through Friday, between 11am and 4pm.
