One of the greatest skin care flubs isn’t likely what you think it is. Such a significant number of us are great with washing our faces gently and consistently. We’re also impressed with how many patients religiously apply eye cream, and know when their skin needs a break from harsh scrubs and peels. Indeed, we get the impression that huge numbers of our patients truly care about their skin: they make inquiries about how to get the best outcomes from their synthetic peels and Botox, and how to keep their skin looking wonderful long past the day they come see us.
But, just because they ask doesn’t mean they’re the only ones who deserve to know. One of the biggest missteps when it comes to skin is skipping the sunscreen. After all, sun damage can cause signs of aging like premature wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, so sunscreen should be incorporated into your routine. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of physical sunscreens.
Pros
Physical sunscreens are called as such because their active ingredients physically block UV rays from the skin. They are also referred to as mineral sunscreens since the minerals Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are used in these type of sunscreens.
Physical sunscreens work best for people with sensitive skin, since they tend to be more stable and have fewer aggravating ingredients.
Cons
They do have some drawbacks, though. Mineral sunscreens tend to leave a white cast behind–so you might have a paler face than normal when you wear them. That can lead some people to not want to wear them everyday, which defeats the purpose. If you’re going to have sunscreen, you should actually use it!
The texture of physical sunscreens can also leave something to be desired. They are often a bit thicker and can be described as chalky or pasty.
Some new formulations combine physical and chemical sunscreens, to help cut down on the thick texture. All in all, they’re great for people who are concerned about possible hormone-disrupting properties of chemical sunscreens.
If you’re interested in learning about how to keep your skin safe from the sun, or are looking to remedy some sun damage you might already have, give us a call at (281) 494-0034 today to schedule a consultation!