Physical vs chemical sunscreen
Mineral sunscreen falls under the physical filter category of sunscreen, meaning this type of sunscreen reflects UVA and UVB rays (thanks to titanium oxide and/or zinc oxide). The other type of sunscreen, categorized as chemical filters, works by absorbing UVA and UVB rays. Both are great options, but physical sunscreens are growing in popularity thanks to product innovations and improvements (no more chalky white cast!). And, interest in mineral sunscreens is bound to grow even more in light of research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association that calls into question four ingredients commonly found in chemical sunscreen formulas (namely, avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene and ecamsule). Experts aren’t saying you shouldn’t use sunscreen though. Daily use of sunscreen is a must, and be sure you’re also giving yourself a regular skin check for skin cancer. And don’t forget about the most commonly ignored body parts!Below, a list of the best mineral sunscreen options you can buy in Canada. And since sunscreen can often leave a white residue on skin, here are the best sunscreens for people with dark skin tones.
