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So with the mineral SPF, the sunscreen actually sits on the skin’s surface and reflects the the light hitting the skin.” That’s why you’ll sometimes hear people call them physical sunscreens, because they form a physical barrier between the skin and UV rays. “Mineral sunscreens typically have either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the two key ingredients. “The key difference is referring to the active ingredient that’s actually screening the sun,” Dr. What makes them different from each other all comes down to the way they block UV rays. There are two types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical.
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What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen? David Kim, MD, MS, cosmetic dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, to give you the low-down on mineral SPF, plus the picks to reach for. Jerome Potozkin, MD, founder and practitioner at PotozkinMD Skincare & Laser Center in California, and Dr. Maybe you tried one years ago that spread like paste and left you looking like a ghost, or maybe you’re just looking for a new favorite to fend off sun damage. Now, you’re probably aware of mineral sunscreens. Bathing suit trends come and go, but preventative skin care never goes out of style! Your summer vacations are drawing near, and while your first inclination might be to ready your bathing suits, we encourage you to first arm yourself with the best mineral sunscreens ahead of your travels.
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