Why we prefer mineral sunscreen

It's generally accepted by now that using SPF is better than not using any at all. To prevent skin aging, skin damage, and even skin cancer, it is advisable not to go into the sun unprotected. Always wear protective clothing and at least an SPF 30 in your skincare routine, summer and winter.

But sometimes, with all the different types of sunscreen, it's hard to see the forest for the trees. Cream, spray, or roll? Chemical or mineral sunscreens? No product is as criticized as sunscreen. We'll tell you more about it.

Chemical Sunscreens

Of course, the most important thing is that a sunscreen protects us from the sun. Let's reiterate: any form of sunscreen is better than no sunscreen at all!

However, most sunscreens contain one or more chemical sun filters. These filters penetrate your skin and absorb UV radiation. And while your skin may be protected from the sun, these chemical sun filters can also enter your bloodstream through the skin, which can potentially have consequences.

The danger of chemical sunscreens

Check your sunscreen for the following ingredients: octisalate, oxybenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octyl dimethyl PABA, and octocrylene (for more background, click here). These chemicals are said to be endocrine disruptors and can have a negative impact on our reproductive organs. Thyroid problems can also occur. Are you breastfeeding? Did you know that you can find chemical sun filters in breast milk? Oxybenzone, in particular, is easily absorbed into our bodies and then acts like estrogen.

Additionally, there is a high risk of skin allergy with these chemical sun filters, as they are absorbed by the skin. This means that sensitive skin does not always react well to chemical sun filters. Therefore, we would not readily recommend a chemical sunscreen for babies and children.

Finally, these substances are also harmful to our planet: if you take a dip in the water, you always leave a residue of sunscreen in the sea, which damages coral.

Other ingredients to consider in your sunscreen

In addition to chemical sunscreens, there are other ingredients to consider in your sunscreen, especially for young children and if you have sensitive skin. The recognizable scent of sunscreen alone is a reason for many people to apply it. However, these added perfumes (synthetic and natural) do not combine well with the sun. Consider citrus scents, for example. These can cause sun allergies or even skin aging and hyperpigmentation. So, use a fragrance-free sunscreen.

Furthermore, your skin is particularly exposed to stress in the sun and therefore needs nourishment and hydration. That's why you want to stay far away from alcohol in your sunscreen. Most types of alcohol in your cosmetics dehydrate your skin and thus contribute to faster skin aging.

Natural Mineral Sunscreen

We ourselves prefer a mineral sun filter over a chemical sun filter. A mineral sunscreen, or natural sunscreen, often contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. A natural sunscreen therefore contains no synthetic filters, and no substances enter your body that could potentially cause hormone disruption.

We don't want to brag, but SMPL's sunscreen applies nicely, is 100% natural, and completely safe for sensitive skin.

Want to know more about mineral sun filters? Click here!