Protection against ultraviolet radiation: what are the differences between mineral filters and chemical filters?
Posted by Ivatherm
Ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of premature skin aging. In addition, sun exposure can cause – in the short term – sunburn and skin irritation, and – in the long term – skin cancer.
Ultraviolet light is invisible to the human eye because it has shorter wavelengths than the light we can see. Within the UV spectrum, there are two types of rays that can damage the DNA in skin cells and lead to skin cancer:
UVB rays cause sunburn and play a key role in the development of skin cancer. The SPF number of a sunscreen primarily refers to the UVB protection it offers.
UVA rays cause sunburn, skin damage, and are responsible for skin aging. When a product label states "broad-spectrum coverage," it means it protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Therefore, it is necessary to constantly take care of our skin and use products with sun protection factor (SPF) and broad-spectrum coverage.
Sunlight 360° Moisturizing Face Cream SPF50+ – the first product offering 360° sun protection: UVA, UVB, IR (infrared radiation) for sensitive, dry, and dehydrated skin. It has a hypoallergenic formula, is water and sweat resistant, with a non-sticky texture that leaves no white marks.
Sunlight Mat SPF50+ – very high sun protection cream for sensitive, combination, or oily skin. Protects skin cells from the mutagenic effects of UV radiation. It has a light texture, quick absorption, is water resistant, and leaves no white marks.
Ivapur Anti-Shine Fluid with SPF50+ – very high sun protection cream for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Protects skin cells from the mutagenic effects of UV radiation, has a light texture, and leaves no white marks.
SPF stands for sun protection factor, and the number next to it indicates how well it protects the skin against sunburn. This is not an indicator of how long we can stay in the sun, but rather a measure of the amount of solar energy (UV radiation) required to produce sunburn on protected skin relative to the solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin.
In short, the SPF number suggests the time it takes for the sun's UV rays to affect the skin when the product is applied correctly, compared to the time spent in the sun without sun protection. Thus, by applying a cream with SPF 30, it would take 30 times longer to get sunburned than if we didn't use a sunscreen product.
An SPF 30 allows approximately 3% of UVB rays to reach the skin. An SPF 50 allows approximately 2% of these rays to pass through.
Sunscreen products include active ingredients that form a protective shield, significantly reducing the risk of the sun's UV radiation reaching the skin. There are two types of ingredients found in products that offer protection against ultraviolet radiation:
physical ingredients (mineral filters);
chemical ingredients (organic filters).
We will discuss the differences between the two types of sunscreen filters below:
Contents
Sun protection with mineral filters
Sunscreens with mineral filters are also known as physical sunscreens.
The mineral sun filter blocks ultraviolet radiation before it penetrates the skin. This filter remains on the skin's surface, where it creates a physical barrier. The mineral filter reflects and absorbs UV radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn.
The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are usually zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are natural minerals. Products with mineral filters provide immediate protection upon application, as they are on the skin's surface and act as a shield against UV radiation. They are preferred by people with sensitive skin or those prone to allergies, as the risk of irritation is lower. The main disadvantage of these filters is that they leave a white residue on the skin.
Sun protection with chemical filters
Sunscreens with chemical filters are also known as organic sunscreens.
These filters include ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate, organic compounds that act like a sponge, absorbing UVA and UVB rays that penetrate the skin. Through a chemical reaction, the sun filter dissipates UV rays.
Chemical filters penetrate the skin layers and absorb UV rays, transforming them into heat, which is then released by the body.
Because the chemical filter penetrates the skin, it can cause irritation, especially among people with sensitive skin. However, dermo-cosmetics are tested on sensitive skin before being put on the market.
Sunscreens with chemical filters have a lighter, much more pleasant texture, so they are preferred by those with oily skin. Because they absorb more easily, they usually don't leave white marks on the skin. However, because they penetrate the skin, they need to be applied at least 15-20 minutes before sun exposure to provide optimal protection.
Key differences between mineral and chemical filters
Mechanism of action
Mineral filters act like a mirror, deflecting ultraviolet radiation before it reaches the skin, while chemical filters absorb UV rays after they have reached the skin.
Photostability
Generally, mineral filters are photostable. Active mineral ingredients do not break down as easily in the sun and, therefore, theoretically provide greater sun protection for longer, but in practice, they are tested identically for efficacy. Most chemical filters are also photostable. Avobenzone is unstable, but it can be stabilized when combined with other chemical UV filters.
Protection spectrum
Regarding the active ingredients in mineral filters, titanium dioxide protects against UVB rays but not against the entire spectrum of UVA rays, while zinc oxide protects against the entire spectrum of UVB and UVA rays. Chemical filters offer greater coverage against UVA and UVB rays than mineral sunscreens. The protection range will depend on the respective filters and their stability.
Activation time
Creams with mineral filters offer immediate protection upon application, while products with chemical filters may need approximately 20 minutes to become effective.
Irritant potential
Mineral sunscreens are considered less irritating and are often recommended for people with sensitive skin or specific skin conditions. In contrast, creams with chemical filters can cause pruritus (itching) and are associated with eczema, but in a very small percentage.
Appearance and texture
Creams with mineral filters have a thicker consistency and can leave a white cast on the skin, although newer formulations have minimized this effect. Chemical filters are colorless, odorless, and have a light texture.
Need for reapplication
Both types of creams require reapplication every two hours or after swimming or intense physical exercise (due to sweat, the cream wears off the body).
Conclusion
Both mineral and chemical filters are considered safe and effective. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Many sun protection products contain both types of filters.
When applied correctly, both mineral and chemical filter products are effective in preventing sun damage. It is important to consider your skin type and its specific needs when choosing the right product to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation.
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Protection against ultraviolet radiation: what are the differences between mineral filters and chemical filters?
Ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of premature skin aging. In addition, sun exposure can cause – in the short term – sunburn and skin irritation, and – in the long term – skin cancer.
Ultraviolet light is invisible to the human eye because it has shorter wavelengths than the light we can see. Within the UV spectrum, there are two types of rays that can damage the DNA in skin cells and lead to skin cancer:
Therefore, it is necessary to constantly take care of our skin and use products with sun protection factor (SPF) and broad-spectrum coverage.
SPF stands for sun protection factor, and the number next to it indicates how well it protects the skin against sunburn. This is not an indicator of how long we can stay in the sun, but rather a measure of the amount of solar energy (UV radiation) required to produce sunburn on protected skin relative to the solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin.
In short, the SPF number suggests the time it takes for the sun's UV rays to affect the skin when the product is applied correctly, compared to the time spent in the sun without sun protection. Thus, by applying a cream with SPF 30, it would take 30 times longer to get sunburned than if we didn't use a sunscreen product.
An SPF 30 allows approximately 3% of UVB rays to reach the skin. An SPF 50 allows approximately 2% of these rays to pass through.
Sunscreen products include active ingredients that form a protective shield, significantly reducing the risk of the sun's UV radiation reaching the skin. There are two types of ingredients found in products that offer protection against ultraviolet radiation:
We will discuss the differences between the two types of sunscreen filters below:
Contents
Sun protection with mineral filters
Sunscreens with mineral filters are also known as physical sunscreens.
The mineral sun filter blocks ultraviolet radiation before it penetrates the skin. This filter remains on the skin's surface, where it creates a physical barrier. The mineral filter reflects and absorbs UV radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn.
The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are usually zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are natural minerals. Products with mineral filters provide immediate protection upon application, as they are on the skin's surface and act as a shield against UV radiation. They are preferred by people with sensitive skin or those prone to allergies, as the risk of irritation is lower. The main disadvantage of these filters is that they leave a white residue on the skin.
Sun protection with chemical filters
Sunscreens with chemical filters are also known as organic sunscreens.
These filters include ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate, organic compounds that act like a sponge, absorbing UVA and UVB rays that penetrate the skin. Through a chemical reaction, the sun filter dissipates UV rays.
Chemical filters penetrate the skin layers and absorb UV rays, transforming them into heat, which is then released by the body.
Because the chemical filter penetrates the skin, it can cause irritation, especially among people with sensitive skin. However, dermo-cosmetics are tested on sensitive skin before being put on the market.
Sunscreens with chemical filters have a lighter, much more pleasant texture, so they are preferred by those with oily skin. Because they absorb more easily, they usually don't leave white marks on the skin. However, because they penetrate the skin, they need to be applied at least 15-20 minutes before sun exposure to provide optimal protection.
Key differences between mineral and chemical filters
Mechanism of action
Mineral filters act like a mirror, deflecting ultraviolet radiation before it reaches the skin, while chemical filters absorb UV rays after they have reached the skin.
Photostability
Generally, mineral filters are photostable. Active mineral ingredients do not break down as easily in the sun and, therefore, theoretically provide greater sun protection for longer, but in practice, they are tested identically for efficacy. Most chemical filters are also photostable. Avobenzone is unstable, but it can be stabilized when combined with other chemical UV filters.
Protection spectrum
Regarding the active ingredients in mineral filters, titanium dioxide protects against UVB rays but not against the entire spectrum of UVA rays, while zinc oxide protects against the entire spectrum of UVB and UVA rays. Chemical filters offer greater coverage against UVA and UVB rays than mineral sunscreens. The protection range will depend on the respective filters and their stability.
Activation time
Creams with mineral filters offer immediate protection upon application, while products with chemical filters may need approximately 20 minutes to become effective.
Irritant potential
Mineral sunscreens are considered less irritating and are often recommended for people with sensitive skin or specific skin conditions. In contrast, creams with chemical filters can cause pruritus (itching) and are associated with eczema, but in a very small percentage.
Appearance and texture
Creams with mineral filters have a thicker consistency and can leave a white cast on the skin, although newer formulations have minimized this effect. Chemical filters are colorless, odorless, and have a light texture.
Need for reapplication
Both types of creams require reapplication every two hours or after swimming or intense physical exercise (due to sweat, the cream wears off the body).
Conclusion
Both mineral and chemical filters are considered safe and effective. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Many sun protection products contain both types of filters.
When applied correctly, both mineral and chemical filter products are effective in preventing sun damage. It is important to consider your skin type and its specific needs when choosing the right product to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation.
Resources:
https://www.science.org.au/curious/people-medicine/what-does-spf-rating-really-mean
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/
https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/sun-protection-factor-spf#
https://silhouettespaandlaser.com/guide-sunscreen-spf-difference-chemical-mineral-sunscreens/
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.