Physical sunscreens: differences between chemical and physical filter

That time of year has come when everyone takes advantage of going to the beach and relaxing under the warm sunlight. Therefore, the specific time has come to use physical sunscreens to avoid skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays. However, there is currently a very big dispute between the type of sunscreen to use: is it better to use physical or chemical sunscreen?

To answer this question correctly, it is necessary to differentiate both terms and see, in themselves, what they have to offer.

All about physical and chemical sunscreens

In the first instance, physical sunscreens (or sunscreens with a physical filter) are known as those protectors whose composition includes various minerals such as: titanium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, talc or mica. Its way of acting in terms of protection is very particular, since these protectors create a protective layer directly on the skin, causing solar radiation to "bounce" and thus prevent the sun's rays from damaging the skin.

On the other hand, chemical sunscreens (or sunscreens with a chemical filter) are those that are composed of elements such as: avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene or oxybenzone, all these being synthetic substances that are produced in a laboratory and that They are activated when they receive direct contact with UV rays, causing them to trigger a photochemical reaction that protects the skin from the sun.

Theoretically, the differences between the physical filter and the chemical filter have already been stated, although this can be better understood if the following differentiating points are taken into consideration:

1. Physical sunscreens They are usually thick creams that leave a whitish layer on the skin once you apply it, while chemical sunscreens are usually translucent and much lighter on the body, giving the feeling that you are not really using any type of protection.
2. Chemical sunscreens they need to be applied at least thirty minutes before coming into direct contact with the sun, unlike physical sunscreens that allow you to have direct contact with the sun once you have finished applying it all over your body.

Advantages and disadvantages of using physical sunscreens

What directly characterizes physical sunscreens is that they are composed of natural ingredients. This fact guarantees that this class of protectors can be used on sensitive or extremely allergic skin, ensuring that they are well protected from the sun from the first moment it is used. The latter mentioned, makes it possible to protect yourself from the sun's rays immediately.

Another advantage of physical sunscreens is that thanks to their incorporated minerals, they have a certain ease of nourishing the skin and leaving it in better condition than it was before using it. In this way, it is possible to use the physical sunscreens on recent scars or wounds so that they heal more easily and quickly without having to worry about the sun.

And the drawbacks?

Unfortunately, this type of sun protection also has certain drawbacks in its use, such as the fact that it has a dense and heavy texture that can make the wearer of the protection uncomfortable. In addition, this kind of protection does not take very well with oily skin, leaving an unpleasant sensation on the body once you use it (although this has been improving and changing thanks to current technological advances).

Advantages and disadvantages of using chemical sunscreens

In the case of chemical sunscreens, the main advantage that can be highlighted is the lightness that they promote, being a protective cream that really does not get in the way regardless of whether your skin is oily or very dry. Thanks to the fact that it is a light product to protect the skin from the sun, it is able to come in different presentations that make its application much easier, being able to find it in fine creams, dense creams, in the form of spray, oily and others .

Apart from what has already been mentioned, little else can be added to the advantages or benefits section. This means that, basically, the number of disadvantages or disadvantages of using chemical sunscreens far outweighs the advantages that this product could bring, some of these disadvantages being those mentioned below:

To consider

• The sun protection it provides is a bit lacking, more if this type of protector is compared with physical protectors. This is so, basically because chemical protectors do not repel UV rays but rather absorb them, allowing a small amount of radiation to seep into the skin (which is not the case with protectors with a physical filter).
• It is necessary to wait between 20 and 30 minutes to expose yourself to the sun once the chemical filter protector has been applied. This is due to the fact that these protectors react photochemically, so it must be well established on the skin in order to take effect correctly.
• Thanks to its photochemical properties, this class of sun protection products is more prone to generating allergic reactions on the skin, which is why this is not the type of protection recommended for children.
• This sun protection may clog pores in oily skin, which would considerably compromise the aesthetics of your skin. This particular fact also helps these protectors also generate much more irritation and allergies than physical protectors.

Why choose physical sunscreen?

Although physical sunscreen can be cumbersome and aesthetically problematic, the reality is that these are the best sunscreen you can use if you really want to protect yourself from the sun. In addition, it must be taken into account that today there are physical sunscreens whose composition is much less dense, protecting the skin much more lightly and easily than the protectors of yesteryear. Now you know!

Considerations when using physical or chemical sunscreens

Regardless of whether you like to use physical or chemical sunscreens, you need to take the following considerations into account if you plan expose yourself to the sun for a long time In a direct way:

1. Try to use a sunscreen for the body and a different sunscreen for the face, since both types of skin are different from each other. Facial skin needs more care!
2. Choose to use the most recommended sunscreens and the most renowned brands that you can get. In this way, you can ensure that the product you are applying to your body is both safe and functional.
3. Know correctly the type of skin you have (if it is oily or dry, for example). If so, you will be able to choose the perfect sunscreen for you much more effectively.
4. Even if you are well protected with a sun filter, avoid being exposed to UV rays for a long time, since otherwise you could compromise all your body tissues.
5. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreens labeled SPF30, as they provide the most protection against the hottest sun.

Now what do you know what is the difference between chemical and fi filter protectorsphysical, What are you waiting for to buy the one that best suits your needs?

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Physical sunscreens: differences between chemical and physical filter

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Physical sunscreens protect from the sun in a natural way, protecting the most sensitive skin from sun damage.

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Ibizaloe

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Ibizaloe

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