How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin

If you do one thing to keep your skin health in check this summer season, it should be wearing sunscreen on a daily basis. Sunscreen is crucial for preventing skin cancer and reducing your risk of developing this dangerous skin disease. Not to mention, sunscreen helps to prevent premature signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. 

However, with so many different sunscreens out there, which do you choose? In this blog, we’re helping you determine which type of sunscreen is right for you and your skin type. 

Different Types of Sunscreen 

There are two different types of sunscreen to choose from: physical and chemical. They both provide ample skin protection but do so very differently. 

Physical Sunscreen 

Physical sunscreen works by creating a physical barrier to reflect UV rays and prevent them from reaching the skin. Generally, the main ingredient in physical sunscreens that creates this barrier is either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. 

Chemical Sunscreen 

Chemical sunscreens prevent the sun’s rays from reaching the skin by absorbing the UV rays and chemically converting them into heat, which is then released back into the air. This prevents sunburns and skin damage. 

Common chemical sunscreen ingredients are avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. Generally, most sunscreens that are water- and sweat-resistant utilize chemical ingredients to prevent sunburns. 

Which is Better: Physical or Chemical? 

Both physical and chemical sunscreens work well to prevent sunburns and skin damage from UV rays. However, based on your specific skin type, one may be better for you than the other. 

For example, many individuals with sensitive skin often find that the chemical-based sunscreens often cause skin irritation. This is because chemical sunscreens sink into the skin, whereas physical sunscreens sit atop the skin to create a barrier. 

Additionally, if you have a common skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, a physical sunscreen may be the better choice for protecting your skin, as the chemicals in chemical sunscreens may cause irritation or trigger a flare-up. 

The main advantage of choosing a chemical sunscreen over a physical one is that they generally absorb and rub into the skin better. In many cases, a physical sunscreen may give your skin a white cast, though formulas have been getting increasingly better over the years to prevent this. 

Nonetheless, if you find that both physical and chemical sunscreens work for your skin, choose whichever you find is most comfortable to wear on a daily basis. 

Finding the Right Facial Sunscreen 

Many people are more picky when it comes to choosing a facial sunscreen compared to a body sunscreen, which we completely understand. In many cases, facial sunscreen can cause acne breakouts and irritation when it’s not a right match for your unique skin type. 

It may take some trial and error to find the right facial sunscreen for you, but it is well worth the time to look and try out new formulas. Facial sunscreen is crucial for warding off premature signs of aging and protecting your delicate facial skin from harmful sun damage. 

Our top tip? If you regularly wear makeup, we recommend choosing a foundation that includes SPF in the formula. This can streamline your morning routine by reducing the amount of products you use. 

Finding Your Perfect Sunscreen 

If you are struggling to find your perfect sunscreen for both your body and face, consult with the board-certified dermatologists at Brentwood Dermatology! 

We deeply understand how to protect the skin with sunscreen and have years of experience helping our patients find one that works for them. Contact us today by calling (615) 377-3448 or schedule an consultation online. 

Dermatology Solutions in Brentwood, Tennessee 

The trusted physicians at Brentwood Dermatology can assist you with all of your general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology needs. If you would like to learn more about our comprehensive dermatology solutions in Brentwood, TN, schedule an appointment, visit our website, or give us a call at (615) 377-3448.