Summer is here (or Winter depending on when you're reading this!) and we want to make sure we've got you covered against sun exposure. We love both our Chemical and Mineral protection and often get asked what exactly the difference is...
UVA & UVB
Firstly, it's important to understand the Sun’s harmful rays, known as UVA & UVB. UVA are the nasty long waves that penetrate deep and cause wrinkles, melanomas and sun spots. UVB are the shorter waves that reach the surface of the skin. These are the waves that tan and can burn the skin. When a label says ‘Broad Spectrum’, it means that you are protected from both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV Rays, convert them to heat and diffuse them from the body, whereas Mineral sunscreens act as a physical barrier that sits on top of the skin and blocks the rays from being absorbed.
Why is Mineral SPF better for sensitive skin?
Our Mineral SPF is made with Zinc Oxide and a mixture of Iron Oxides (which are safe for your kids as well!) so in essence, it's a super natural alternative to chemical sunscreens, while still giving you that same SPF50+ protection. Our SPF50+ 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion is a cult favourite for good reason!
Why is mineral SPF thicker?
Mineral sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen, is typically thicker than chemical SPF because it is made up of ground Zinc Oxide as the SPF filter, which is actually a very fine white powder. To get SPF50+ you'll need a lot of Zinc (ours has 22.75%). This enables it to act as a ‘physical barrier’ which sits on top of the skin and bounces these harmful rays away from the skin, without allowing them to be absorbed.
How does Chemical Work?
Chemical SPF absorbs the sun’s UV Rays, which takes 20-30 minutes to properly absorb. It is a chemical reaction that stops the rays from being absorbed into the body, converting them instead to heat and diffusing them from the body.
Still confused? What is the benefit of Chemical SPF?
Chemical SPF is lighter and spreads more easily due to the composition of filters used, making it a great option for combination or dryer skin. It almost feels like nothing on the skin, and is almost translucent, while our SPF50 Clear Glow Sun Serum is 100% clear, a feat that cannot be achieved when using mineral filters.
Are the Chemicals used in chemical SPF safe?
When it comes to sunscreens made in Australia, you can rest assured they are safe for topical use. Australia has extremely strict regulations covering sunscreens; they are regulated through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Only tightly regulated ingredients can be included and are strictly assessed for safety and efficacy before they are allowed to be released into the market. Once sunscreens have been released, the TGA continues to monitor them in post-market compliance checks.
Naked Sundays works with Therapeutic Goods Australia Manufacturers to create our high impact SPF so our customers are protected to the highest standard.
How do I know which sunscreen is better for my skin type?
Chemical and mineral sunscreens can work differently. Generally, we advise that if you have sensitive skin, redness, oily skin or are sensitive to skincare, our mineral will be your new BFF. If you have combination skin or are on the dry side, go for the chemical. If you buy one and find it doesn't work for your skin we will happily swap it over!
Does Naked Sundays Have Oxybenzone?
No. All of our formulas are Oxybenzone free!