Sunscreens can be separated into two categories; physical (or mineral) and chemical. According to Cinzia, \u201cZinc oxide is a micro-fine mineral that offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.\u201d Mineral sunscreens are safer, better for the skin and also help to protect against blue light (or high-energy visible light) which is emitted from electronic devices.<\/p>\n
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UVA and UVB rays affect the skin in different ways. Cinzia says, \u201cWhile UVB rays affect the skin\u2019s top layer (they\u2019re the ones that cause sunburn and skin cancer), UVA rays penetrate the skin much deeper, causing direct damage to the cells that keep the skin healthy, plump, hydrated.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u201cSun damage is responsible for 90% of visible ageing,\u201d Cinzia explains (we\u2019re getting technical here), \u201cUVA rays cause the fibroblast cells to erode, stopping them from producing collagen, elastin or hydration, and damages the melanocyte cells, making them overproduce pigment\u201d. In layman\u2019s terms, that means wrinkles, dehydration, poor texture, uneven skin tone and sunspots.<\/p>\n
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Put simply, its the most important part of your skincare routine. According to Cinzia, \u201cEvery other skincare ingredient is used to\u00a0reverse\u00a0<\/i>the effects of ageing, but zinc oxide can prevent that damage in the first place\u201d. She jokes, \u201cif you\u2019re using other ingredients like retinol or Vitamin C to stimulate collagen production but not protecting yourself from the sun, you\u2019re wasting your money\u201d.<\/p>\n
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\u201cZinc oxide protects the skin by sitting on top of it and physically blocking the sun, Chemical formulas penetrate the skin which can cause congestion and irritation\u201d Cinzia explains. This is especially important for use on the face or if the skin is sensitive. \u201cMineral sunscreens tend to have increased photostability, meaning they retain their integrity when exposed to light\u201d, she continues \u201coh, and they\u2019re reef-safe\u201d.<\/p>\n
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In the past, yes, but science has come a long way. \u201cThe minerals are micronized to be so fine, mineral sunscreens no longer leave a chalky-white residue\u201d, Cinzia says. Even on darker skin tones, they can be used without leaving a white or ashy cast.<\/p>\n
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Cinzia suggests that the best way to reverse existing damage is to apply SPF daily from now on, \u201cthat way there\u2019s no further damage which means your body can work to repair those cells underneath\u201d. And the same applies to other skin conditions, \u201cif you have rosacea, for example, using sunscreen allows your body to work on repairing itself rather than dealing with constant trauma from the sun\u201d.<\/p>\n
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During this uncertain time, we\u2019ll be continuing to create the content you love \u2013 whether for distraction, inspiration or to give guidance on wellbeing. If there\u2019s anything you\u2019d like to see (or not see) please contact us on Instagram @treatwell_ie. We hope you keep safe and healthy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What is a mineral sunscreen? Sunscreens can be separated into two categories; physical (or mineral) and chemical. According to Cinzia, \u201cZinc oxide is a micro-fine mineral that offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.\u201d Mineral sunscreens are safer, better for the skin and also help to protect against blue light (or high-energy visible […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3366,"featured_media":7490,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide are generally deemed safer and better for the skin. Here, an expert told us why.","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","saswp_custom_schema_field":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[26,43],"class_list":{"0":"post-7488","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-editors-picks-long-form","8":"tag-tt4","9":"tag-vt50","10":"entry"},"acf":{"post_credits":"Image credits: Shutterstock","beauty_blog_post_button_title":"","beauty_blog_post_button":"","landscape_picture":7489,"blocks":null},"yoast_head":"\n