Getting the Right Balance of Chemical Sunblock & Physical Sunblocks

Selecting the correct sunblock is dependent on understanding the difference between chemical and physical sunblock active ingredients.

What is the difference between Chemical & Physical Sunblocks?

Chemical Sunblock

Chemical sunblock products use chemicals to absorb UVA & UVB rays before they damage the skin. The mechanism of action is proven: UVA & UVB rays are absorbed, converted to heat & dispersed through skin. Chemical ingredients often include: Octylcrylen, Avobenzone and Octinoxate.

Chemical sunblock products have a shortened shelf-life but are often more cost-effective. Chemical sunblock products have the advantage of offering water resistant properties.

Physical Sunblock

Physical sunblock products use natural agents to reflect & scatter harmful UVA & UVB rays before they penetrate the skin by creating a physical barrier on the skin. Ingredients in physical sunblock often include: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Physical sunblock products are more stable, last longer and offer fewer potential negative side-effects but have a reputation of being visible on the skin and for blocking pores.

Reapplication is necessary when using physical sunblock products as sweat and/or water will wash residue away leaving the skin exposed.

Making informed skin decisions

Physical sunblock ingredients are less likely to cause skin irritation and are often recommended as first choice for facial sun protection and those concerned with healthy skin function. The risk of occlusion does make physical sunblock less favorable for post-procedure sun protection as this could halt restoration of cellular function & minimize absorption of post-procedure actives.
Cosmeceutical grade physical sunblock products use nanotechnology to micronize zinc & titanium actives to avoid a visible layer on the skin and to minimize skin occlusion.

Sun Ceutic 50+ offers invisible physical sun protection against UVA & UVB rays without risk of clogging pores.

Chemical actives are more suited to active lifestyles and for post-procedure sun protection as they absorb quickly, do not wash away as easily with water or sweat and are unlikely to block pores. Modern chemical formulations are less likely to cause skin irritation, but formulation and additional active ingredients make selection an important consideration – especially for the face.

At Dermaceutic Laboratoire we use an optimal combination of chemical sunblock and physical sunblock actives within K Ceutic* to assist with skin protection during high risk recovery times. All patients should include Sun Ceutic 50+ to their post aesthetic treatment homecare protocols.

For more information on selecting the correct sunblock feel free to message us via our Facebook & Instagram channels.

*K Ceutic is sold in the US without SPF