Chemical sunscreen is commonplace in British Columbia. It’s probably what you’ve used most of your life – generic brands like Banana Boat, Neutrogena, etc.
There are many benefits to switching from one of these standard chemical sunscreens to a more skin-friendly, environmentally conscious, and fun mineral sunscreen. We’ll break down the benefits of mineral sunscreen below.
1) Environmental Impact
Most WebMD-type sites will talk about the different ingredients in mineral vs chemical sunscreen to start. Don’t worry, we’ll get there! But we want to start with an angle not considered as much in BC, that mineral sunscreen can be a far better environmental choice.
Mineral sunscreen has long been touted as an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical based sunscreen. In tropical areas like Hawaii, it’s legally mandated in several counties to protect fragile ocean reefs, which have been damaged for decades by tourists.
While British Columbia doesn’t have coral reefs at risk in the same way, delicate marine ecosystems are harmed by chemical sunscreens. Lake Cowichan has been exploring banning chemical sunscreens, as residue from swimmers accumulates in the lake, harming marine life.
In BC’s more fragile bodies of water, mineral sunscreen will go a long way.
2) UV Ray Protection
The ways mineral and chemical sunscreen manage harmful UV rays are very different, with mineral sunscreens protecting your skin far more effectively.
You know how you’ve always needed to wait half an hour to go out into the sun after putting on sunscreen? That’s because of how chemical sunscreens interact with UV rays. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin. When UV rays make contact, the sunscreen converts the rays into heat, dissipating the UV rays.
Mineral sunscreen is a protective shield against the sun. It blocks UV rays from ever making direct contact with your skin in the first place. When the sun beats down on you, mineral sunscreen deflects the rays, offering excellent and immediate sun protection.
3) Better Ingredients, Better Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens are made up off… well, chemicals. The primary ingredients found in major sunscreen products include Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, and Padimate O. While all of these ingredients are approved by Health Canada and are safe for use, there are increased cases of allergic reactions, rashes, and acne breakouts. For those with sensitive skin, chemical sunscreens can be especially harsh.
Mineral sunscreens follow the all-natural movements that are starting to dominate the health and wellness spaces. The primary minerals in these sunscreens are typically Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, natural UV deflectors. They’re also well documented to cause less irritation, and be an overall gentler choice for most skin types.
4) A Splash of Colour
Sunscreen’s often seen as a compulsory, but not exciting part of your skincare routine. But it doesn’t have to be that way! At Arbutus Laser Centre, we stock ColourScience’s coloured mineral sunscreen, which makes this monotonous part of your routine a lot more fun.
Colourscience is an SPF 50 mineral sunscreen, so it meets the core requirements of a UV-resistant, eco-friendly choice.
Coming in six different colours, Colourscience also becomes a part of your beauty routine. When applied, the sunscreen will offer an instantly bold pop of colour that can be blended, applied with a make up brush, and more to offer a desired look. Perfect for eyelids, cheeks, and/or lips.
Want to learn more about the mineral sunscreens on offer at Arbutus Laser Centre? All sunscreen is 25% off this May, selling in-store only.
