The Summer Sun Edit

The Summer Sun Edit

Choosing the right sunscreen can feel overwhelming — the shelves are packed with terms like “reef-safe,” “clean,” “broad-spectrum,” and “SPF 70.” But the most important distinction comes down to the type of UV protection it provides: chemical or mineral.

This isn’t just a surface-level decision. The ingredients you apply to your skin can impact hormone health, skin integrity, and even the environment. In this post, I’m breaking down the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens — so you can make choices that support your health, your values, and the planet.

Chemical Sunscreens

Key Points	Why It Matters
How they work	UV rays are absorbed and converted to heat via synthetic filters such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, or avobenzone.
Free‑radical creation	That energy conversion can generate extra free radicals in skin, increasing oxidative stress.
Hormone disruption	Oxybenzone and a few other filters are endocrine‑active and can trigger allergic reactions (⁠EWG).
Environmental impact	Several chemical filters contribute to coral bleaching and aquatic toxicity.
User experience	Sheer, easy to rub in, often packaged as sprays—but wears off faster and must be applied 20–30 min before sun exposure.

Mineral Sunscreens

Key Points	Why It Matters
How they work	Non‑nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sit on the surface and reflect/scatter UV rays.
Health profile	Inert, non‑hormone‑disrupting, and immediately effective—no “wait time.”
Particle size	• Micronized zinc = finer, blends better, still on skin’s surface. • Nano zinc = too small, can penetrate more deeply—choose non‑nano on the label.
SPF reality check	Above SPF 30, protection gains are minimal (≈97% vs. 98%). Higher numbers simply add more active ingredient (mineral or chemical) without dramatically better coverage.
Aesthetic tips	To avoid a white cast, opt for tinted or sheer formulations with micronized, non‑nano zinc.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Chemical	Mineral
Wait time	20–30 min	None
Reef‑friendly	Often no	Yes (non‑nano)
Hormone‑safe	Mixed	Yes
Heat build‑up on skin	Higher	Minimal
White cast	Rare	Possible (use tinted)

Catherine’s Picks

Use‑Case	Product*	Why I Like It
Daily face/neck	Well People Daygleamer Mineral Sunscreen Serum SPF 34	Non‑nano zinc, silky finish, layers well under makeup.
Beach & body	Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen 30 - unscented.	Water‑resistant mineral formula, reef‑safe.

*Always patch‑test first; no sponsorships—just products I trust.

Practical Takeaways

1. Read the active ingredients list first. If you see only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (non‑nano), you’re in mineral territory.

2. Aim for SPF 30, broad‑spectrum, water‑resistant—higher numbers add bulk, not magic.

3. Reapply every two hours (mineral or chemical) and after swimming or sweating.

4. Support brands vetted by EWG’s Sunscreen Guide for ingredient transparency and reef safety.

Final Word

Sunscreen should protect more than your skin—it should also safeguard your hormones, our oceans, and future generations. Choose wisely, stay sun‑smart, and enjoy the season in a way that feels good for you and the planet.

Have questions or favorite mineral sunscreens to share? Drop them in the comments or reply to this post—let’s make sun safety a collective habit.

© Designed for Wellness – Practical tools for sustainable well‑being.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Source: Environmental Working Group