Mineral or chemical sunscreen: that's what it comes down to

As with peels, you can also choose between chemical and mineral versions when it comes to sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens feature the advantage of having a light texture, are easy to spread on the skin thanks to their fluid texture and absorb fast. Ingredients – like octinoxate, oxybenzone and avobenzone – deactivate the harmful UV rays. A small amount of heat is generated as a by-product of the chemical processes. To get the full protective effect, you should apply chemical sunscreens at least 20 minutes before spending time in the sun.

Mineral sunscreens – as opposed to chemical sunscreens – are not absorbed by the skin but rather remain on the surface of the skin. Ingredients contained in sun blocks – like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide – form a physical barrier that deflect the UV rays of the sun so they cannot penetrate the skin.

• Extremely resistant to sweat and water: Chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin and are therefore more resistant to sweat and water than mineral-based sunscreens.
• No visible residue: Due to their lighter formula, chemical sunscreens leave virtually no residue on the skin.
• Combined with nourishing ingredients: To protect sun-exposed skin from the signs of premature skin ageing and to keep it nice and smooth, chemical sunscreens are often enriched with nourishing ingredients – like antioxidants, enzymes and peptides.
• Easy to use: Due to their delicate fluid consistency, chemical sunscreens are extremely easy to apply and only a small amount is necessary to protect large areas of skin.

• Immediate protective effect: If you apply mineral sunscreen, you can go into the sun straight away and you don’t need to wait 20 minutes – as you do with chemical sunscreen.
• More suitable for sensitive skin: People with sensitive skin often prefer mineral sunscreens, as the absence of chemical ingredients minimises the likelihood of skin irritation. Because mineral sunscreens only work on the surface of the skin, the pores remain open, which helps to prevent additional skin irritation.
• Good protection for the eyes: Due to the thicker consistency and good adherence to the skin, the risk of accidentally getting mineral sunscreen in your eyes or applying it to areas where it could trigger irritation and burning is reduced.
• Extremely environmentally-friendly: chemical sunscreens can contain ingredients that lead to coral bleaching. It is therefore important when buying chemical sunscreen to look out for the quality seal. There is no danger of this with mineral sunscreens.

As you can see from the differences between chemical and mineral sunscreens, each variant has its individual merits. Both chemical and mineral sunscreens offer reliable protection from UVA and UVB rays from the sun.

If you play a lot of sports or like to go swimming, chemical sunscreen, which absorbs into the skin without leaving any residue, is advantageous. If your skin is very sensitive and inclined to impurities, a mineral sunscreen could be a better choice for you.