There are simply millions of Americans suffering with a range of different sensitive skin issues, whether talking about eczema, psoriasis or acne. Does that mean that they should stay away from UV protection? Of course not. This does raise one question, however, and that is - is it chemical or mineral brands that represent the best face sunscreen for sensitive skin?

Chemical sunscreen brands have literally been around since the mid-1930s, with mineral brands emerging just a few years later. One is very different from the other, working in very different ways, so let’s now examine some of the influencing factors involved.

Absorption vs Non-Absorption

The first way in which they differ is that chemical sunscreens have to be absorbed into the skin, whereas mineral sunscreens don’t. First off, this means chemical brands don’t start working for up to half an hour, whereas mineral brands work straight away.

This is a factor that pushes mineral brands towards being the best face sunscreen for sensitive skin, particularly as absorption of a creamy liquid is not something you want when suffering with acne or oily skin. Mineral products, however, work on the surface of the skin, meaning much less chance of irritation occurring. 

Chemicals Inside Matter

Another tick in the box for mineral sunscreens relates to the fact they contain naturally occurring compounds like zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Conversely, chemical sunscreens can contain ingredients that adversely affect sensitive skin.

According to research carried out by the American College of Allergy, chemicals like oxybenzone dibenzoylmethane and benzophenone can irritate the epidermis, causing redness and itchiness. 2 out of 2 for the mineral sunscreen category. 

Natural vs Unnatural Ingredients 

Yet more evidence exists that mineral-based products represent the best face sunscreen for sensitive skin and in this case, it’s about whether you’d prefer artificial ingredients on your skin or natural ones. In this modern era, natural or organic ingredients are always seen more favorably - and for good reason. 

As we mentioned previously, mineral sunscreens only contain natural ingredients that are much less likely to aggravate any pre-existing skin issues you might have. 

It’s Important to Make Wise Choices - For Your Skin’s Sake

There’s no avoiding the fact that what you put on your skin has a large bearing on how healthy it is on a daily basis. Choose unwisely and you’ll likely exacerbate your breakouts and stop you wanting to go outside in the sunshine altogether. That said, when you choose wisely, that all changes.

In our opinion - and in that of most dermatologists - by far the best face sunscreen for sensitive skin is of the mineral variety. Not only is it less likely to cause irritation, but it doesn’t even have to be absorbed, meaning that it’s kept away from the deeper layers of your skin.

Brands like these are also wiser in terms of ecological impact, as chemical-based types are known to have a devastating effect on marine wildlife. Eco-credentials matter to people these days, as people appreciate that it’s important to protect the planet for future generations to enjoy.

Whichever way you slice it, it’s mineral sunscreen every day of the week and twice on Sundays. Use anything else and you should expect problems.