Mineral Sunscreen: What It Is and Its Benefits

One of the great advantages of technological advancement, along with research and studies, in general, of all substances and their interaction with our body, is that a large number of new products always keep appearing on the market, which replace, complement, or compete against other existing ones, thanks to all the differences between them and the benefits they can offer us, whether we apply them to the skin or for consumption.

In this way, among the articles designed for skin care and protection, sunscreen stands out for its specific function, as it is the only element capable of defending us, in such a complex and precise manner, from the harmful ultraviolet rays that emanate from the sun, known to cause a large number of problems to the dermis, from photoaging and the appearance of blemishes, to real conditions such as dermatitis or cancer.

However, in slightly older times, the only variation between one sunscreen brand and another was the type of chemical ingredient used, both as a base and as additions to enhance its function. This has changed today, with the mass production of so-called mineral sunscreen, designed to do exactly the same thing as its chemical predecessor, but offering some extra benefits that we will see below.

If it’s already too late for sunscreen and your skin has burned from the sun, we recommend you learn here How to treat a sunburn

About mineral sunscreen

The first thing is the most general, as many people know what a sunscreen or sunblock is, but few really understand how it works, that is, through which means or processes it manages to protect our dermis from the relentless rays of the daytime star. At this point, its total purpose, there is no difference at all between the many types or formulas of creams, with or without sun filters, as whatever their formulation, they always have the same task.

They are made with different elements or materials, but the concept is the same, the development of a low-profile ointment, whose greater density and volume will be absorbed by the skin, providing this tissue with moisturization in the upper layers. The rest of the formula creates a very thin film on the surface of the dermis, which according to the quality of the substance, can leave a sensation a bit oily or greasy; or simply leave the skin soft and smooth to the touch.

While the moisturizing actives keep the upper layers of the dermis moist, with the help of emollients that stimulate moisture retention, other components of the cream cover the pores so that UV rays do not filter through. On the surface, the film protects by bouncing off the sun’s luminosity, which helps to prevent melanin (the skin pigment responsible for natural defense against the ultraviolet spectrum) from degrading; this also allows the cells of this tissue not to suffer oxidation caused by the elements.

There are other natural substances and formulas capable of providing the same coverage, some of them integrated as ingredients in artisanal sun filters, which although effective, are not as potent as a professionally manufactured blocker. Some examples can be aloe vera gel, macerated extract, or essential oil of calendula, as well as other similar oils, but made with different materials.

Composition of mineral sunscreen

Unlike chemicals, mineral-type sunscreens are known as physical because the reactions responsible for interacting with the skin, as well as the ingredients, whose properties and actives allow for protection, are not based on principles of chemical dissolution or mixtures of different elements. Usually, a single active is used as a base, which instead of being absorbed and penetrating the skin, dries on its surface to cover it.

Different presentations of various components can be found, although the most popular are those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, due to the effectiveness of these actives in the role they must play, which we mentioned a moment ago. They can be found in very varied presentations, such as lotions, creams, foams, liquid sprays, pulverizers, or atomizers; although their texture, however liquid they may be, is always thicker, due to their density.

The most interesting thing about these types of sunblocks with mineral filters is that since they do not need additives to increase shelf life, processes for absorption through pores, evaporating substances, or fragrances; that is, since they do not carry any chemicals in their composition, they are ideal for people with more sensitive skins, such as babies or the elderly. Therefore, they often do not contain parabens, dyes, or substances considered irritants or allergens.

This type of formulation is consciously designed so that people who have problems with chemicals on the skin can have an ideal sunscreen, which does not dry out or cause adverse reactions. However, it also has its disadvantages, since it is a substance that lasts a long time on the cutaneous surface, so it often leaves what is called white snow when directly reflecting light.

The difference between this and the chemical-based one

To be quite sure and very generally, we can say that these two types of filters differ in absolutely everything, from the base ingredients to the added components, the formulation, and the manufacturing process, to their interaction with our skin and how they protect it. That is to say, everything except the ultimate purpose of the substance, to cover the skin and not allow the sun’s heat and ultraviolet rays to penetrate the tissue, not even on the surface.

Still, we can expand this brief summary so globalized, by listing some of the factors that most distinguish one type of sunscreen from the other. For example, regarding their interaction with the skin, mineral filters remain on its surface, causing light to reflect and preventing the passage of UV rays, while the chemical or organic version penetrates and stays between the layers of the dermis, absorbing sunlight like a sponge and dissolving it so that it does not come into contact with the tissue.

This difference in function then leads to other distinctions, such as the time of effective duration of the formula, which is longer in the case of mineral sunscreen, as well as the permanence of product residues on the dermis. In this case, since the organic ointment is absorbed, it leaves no trace that needs to be rinsed off, while the other, for remaining too long on the topical surface, often has to be removed with cleansers or soap and water.

This also affects their effectiveness, as care must be taken when applying a product of the latter type, the physical one, as it can run or be removed if we rub the skin with a towel or a handkerchief, shortly after applying it. This, since its efficacy occurs by remaining as a more visible film on the dermis, causes the product to lose its topical protection value, making it necessary to apply it again.

Regarding the different presentations that we can find of sunscreens, those made from chemicals abound and are more varied, since the substance and its formulation is much more malleable, so they can be made very liquid or almost solid, in bar presentations that can be spread over the body. In the case of mineral, since it must be thick and heavy to remain on the skin, even liquid presentations have a higher density.

Moreover, like any element of topical application, both types of sunblock have been thoroughly studied and researched to analyze their consequences for the environment. Although the tests are not yet definitive, it has been concluded that chemical sunscreens may pose an environmental risk, especially in aerosol form, so they have even been banned in some countries, while their physical counterpart is safer in that respect.

Whether mineral or chemical, if you want a product that cares for the environment, you might be interested in reading about Biodegradable sunscreen: what it is and what benefits it presents

General benefits of sun protection

Today, everyday consumers like us do not need to be great scientists or at the forefront of research to know that any type of substance, object, or external agent that comes into contact with our skin can interact with it. From elements visible in any state (solid, liquid, and gaseous); to microscopic invisible particles to the human eye, such as light, can exert some influence on this tissue and its health.

For this reason, those who have dedicated years to relevant research, whether in branches of general medicine or cosmetics, have concluded that the effects of ultraviolet rays are entirely risky for our dermis, capable of causing from melanin degradation, which leads to sunburns and irritation, to severe injuries such as blisters or permanent disorders such as cancer.

Similarly, the substances we choose to take to the cutaneous organ, such as creams and ointments of all kinds, in this case, sunscreen, also interact with it, so it is not surprising to find that, through the formulation of the substance, we can find all kinds of elements and components that harmonize with each other, to take care of the dermis while protecting it from these luminous agents.

Why protect ourselves from UV rays?

We’ve already talked about consequences, although very briefly, that range from simple discomfort to risks to our overall health, but given the great impact that this natural element can have on the skin, it is necessary to delve a little more into the issue, so as not to stay only with the idea that we can prevent sunburn and skin cancer by covering ourselves from sunlight, at least at times when it is strongest.

In principle, if we talk about aesthetic risks, we are getting closer to why sunscreen is considered a product of both health and cosmetics, as ultraviolet rays, which degrade melanin and oxidize surface tissue cells, are one of the major causes of various imperfections such as wrinkles, spots, roughness, sagging, dark circles, pigmentation, discoloration, and many others.

This is mainly due to tissue dryness, as the heat waves of the ultraviolet spectrum reduce the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to the loss of vital fluids for this organ. Similarly, we already mentioned melanin, which is a dark pigment of the dermis, responsible for natural sun protection; this can burn and degrade, releasing free radicals and estrogens that reduce cutaneous health.

However, all these interactions can worsen, provided various risk factors are met, such as genetic skin characteristics (clearness, thickness, and tissue resistance) or the prolongation of contact with the rays. This is when sunburns, irritation, increased sensitivity, cellular degradation, blisters, permanent marks, and dermal diseases such as eczema and cancer appear.

Other advantages of using sunscreen (according to the manufacturer and formulation)

As we mentioned at the beginning of discussing these advantages, ointments of any texture must be integrated with a variety of ingredients that have different actives, properties, and molecular densities. These must harmonize in their entirety, so that there are no two counterproductive actives, so that, when the formula is finished, if more ingredients with other properties can be added, it will always be done with a positive purpose.

For example, many sunscreens contain components with emollient properties, which, thanks to the amount of water in their formulation, increase skin hydration by allowing the hypodermis layer (responsible for fluid absorption and accumulation) to absorb a greater volume of water. This is due to the small emollient molecules that stimulate the tissue and expand it, to increase its retentive capacity.

Other brands and production industries, as well as filter design laboratories, add vitamin E and antioxidants to their formulas, which protect cells more directly and help to heal the damages caused by UV rays. There are also refreshing protective tonics with a cool sensation, which cool the skin on contact, giving the tissue relaxation and setting that increases firmness and tonicity.

Lastly, but not least, are the hypoallergenic and antihistamines, which not only greatly reduce the likelihood of causing allergies themselves, but also help block the effects of the body’s histamines. In this way, the same ointment, liquid, foam, or any presentation of preference, which we use to protect the dermis from the effects of the sun, can also help us prevent topical or contact allergies,

Specific benefits of the physical or mineral version

It can be deduced, after reading the composition and function of this sun filter, as well as its differences with the one made from chemicals, that we can find certain advantages and disadvantages in its use. However, many of these distinctions bring certain benefits to our body, which we cannot obtain if we choose the organic version, whose knowledge can help us decide on this other one.

Firstly, its long duration allows us not to worry about retouching our sunscreen, which usually happens with chemical-based ones, which are lost due to sweat and environmental humidity, or simply by being absorbed through the pores. In this way, even if we are busy working outdoors, or having fun on a warm beach, we can ensure defense against UV rays for long hours.

Another equally important benefit may not be for ourselves, as most people who take care of their health in different ways have resistant and strong skin, not so vulnerable to interaction with the elements. Even so, perhaps many of us have small children, grandparents, or elderly parents, whose dermis is so sensitive that the most common creams cause them some discomfort such as itching or burning, irritation, or redness.

The same happens with many people with low levels of melanin, whose skin is incredibly white; or those who suffer from certain contact allergies or simple sensitivity to interaction with external agents, due to genetics or some disease. Here comes the mineral sunscreen, without alcohol, parabens, fragrances, preservatives, dyes, or other allergenic substances; which is not absorbed by the dermis, so it does not alter it or integrate its actives deeply.

Its design, using nanoparticles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, remains completely on the skin, so the simple base of the sunscreen, which is the protective film that adheres to its surface, does not cause any side effects, since it does not integrate into the tissue or interact directly with it, as the particles are large enough not to be absorbed.

If you are interested in learning about a natural product for defense against UV rays, we invite you to read Everything about natural sunscreen

Lastly, the development of this type of formula is so simple, requiring only a few ingredients that can be found in natural presentations, or barely synthesized, such as zinc and titanium dioxide, that anyone could prepare a homemade recipe and effective mineral sunscreen, as long as they have the precise instructions for it.