If you’re looking for a hotly-debated topic, there is perhaps nothing more contested in the sunscreen world about whether mineral-based face stick sunscreen causes breakouts. There’s a public perception that sunscreen of all types clogs the pores and causes spots as a result, but how true is it?
Well, in part, as the mineral-based option is one that’s got an unfair rap here, as it’s actually chemical brands that tend to have this skin impact. But why?
Why Doesn’t Mineral-Based Face Stick Sunscreen Cause Breakouts?
The key element relates to the way in which chemical and mineral sunscreens actually work. Let’s first begin by showing you how and why chemical sunscreens clog the pores.
Chemical Sunscreens Need to Be Absorbed
The primary way that chemical sun protection safeguards the skin is by converting the sun’s UV rays into heat. In order to do this, it needs to be absorbed into the skin, which can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes. It’s for this reason that you need to apply chemical sunscreen half an hour before you venture out into the sunshine.
The very fact that chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed into the skin means that the chances of breakouts caused by clogged pores go up dramatically.
Physical Sunscreens Work Immediately
Conversely, mineral-based face stick sunscreen works immediately due to the fact that it doesn’t have to be absorbed into the skin. That means it is far less likely to lead to blocked pores and subsequent breakouts, zits or blackheads (or all three).
Instead of needing to enter the skin to repel UV rays, mineral products sit on the skin’s surface, reflecting the rays away. Sure, it’s got quite a gloopy texture, making it tricky to get an even spread of the stuff, but it won’t cause breakouts.
Believe it or not, zinc oxide actually has great anti-inflammatory properties, so your acne, redness and general redness will be alleviated by its use. As the primary active ingredient in most good physical sunscreens, mineral products actually support skin health while also protecting against the sun.
Just Follow Your Usual Skincare Routine
When using mineral sunscreen, all that’s really needed is for your to carry on performing your daily skincare routine as you would. Cleansing after using physical sunscreen is also a good idea in order to keep the skin not only hydrated but also free of dirt, debris and dead skin cells.
While it can be a bit annoying to cleanse after you’ve been out in the sun, it will preserve your skin’s youth and make sure that none of the product is ever left behind.
Want Protection Without Zits? Choose Mineral Face Stick Sunscreen
As is immediately obvious, for people wanting UV protection but not the zits that can come with sunscreen, it has to be a mineral-based option. Just by switching from chemical to physical sunscreen, you can avoid those unpleasant zits that arise after a day in the sun.
Whichever way you look at the issue, mineral brands lead the way. Not only that, but they’re also awesome for the planet – not something you can currently say about chemical options.
What you choose is your bag, but anyone who’s getting breakouts but still using chemical products can rectify the issue simply by swapping your current product for another similar one.
