Sunscreen is an important skin care product to use every day, especially if you are often active outdoors. Sunscreen provides protection for the skin from UV rays that can trigger various skin damage.
Basically, sunscreen is divided into two types. The first is a mineral sunscreen or more commonly known as a physical sunscreen, and the second is a chemical sunscreen.
These two types of sunscreen often cause debate, where mineral sunscreen is considered better than chemical sunscreen. In fact, both sunscreens have their own advantages and disadvantages according to their needs.
"At least use SPF 30 every day, both indoors and outdoors and in any weather. Don't forget to reapply as often as possible," said dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu, quoted from Cosmopolitasn UK, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Mineral sunscreen works by forming a protective layer on the skin, which reflects sunlight. Usually mineral sunscreen contains Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide.
The protective layer makes mineral sunscreen often leave a white cast when used, especially on darker curls. However, now beauty innovations are developing and many mineral sunscreens do not leave a white cast.
"Mineral sunscreen today is definitely different from the old mineral sunscreen," said dermatologist, Dr. Dendy Engelman.
Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat energy, which is then released into the skin. There are many anti-UV ingredients in chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone to octinoxate.
"In one chemical sunscreen product, one or more anti-UV ingredients can be contained," he explained.
However, with the materials used working chemically, chemical sunscreens are more prone to cause irritation and clog pores on sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Therefore, both mineral and chemical sunscreens have their own advantages and disadvantages. Users can choose between the two sunscreens depending on their needs.
However, for those of you who have sensitive and acne-prone skin, mineral sunscreen is the best choice. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreen is convenient to use every day because the texture is light and does not cause white cast.
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