What Is Physical Sunscreen? How It Works, Why It’s Better.

Protekt’s mineral sunscreens identify as physical sunscreens - and this is a listed benefit. But many, if not most, sunscreen users aren’t exactly sure what the term ‘physical sunscreen’ means. The first thought that comes to mind is… isn’t all sunscreen physical, being that you can hold it in your hand? 

That much is true, but that’s not quite what we mean.

What is Physical Sunscreen?

Physical sunscreen contains the active ingredient zinc oxide, which allows the sunscreen to sit on top of the skin instead of seeping into it. By creating a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s UV rays, you’re that much more protected. 

Included with physical sunscreen is a whole laundry list of benefits, such as:

• It protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• There’s no need to wait for it to start working. The protection begins as soon as it’s applied.
• It lasts longer when you’re exposed to direct UV light.
• It’s great for people with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. It doesn’t clog pores and it rarely ever irritates. 
• It has a longer shelf life than other sunscreens.

While physical sunscreen comes with a list of positives, chemical sunscreen - the other version - comes with quite a lengthy list of negatives. If you’re using chemical sunscreen instead of physical, you can expect:

• It not to work until 20 minutes after you apply it.
• Increased chances of skin irritation and stinging - and that risk increases the higher the SPF gets.
• More frequent reapplication.
• Clogged pores.

Zinc Oxide

Now that we’ve answered the question as to what physical sunscreen is, let’s get to what’s inside it. Zinc oxide, the main ingredient in Protekt’s sunscreen, is a natural chemical that reflects UV light away from the skin, therefore creating a barrier that blocks the sun. 

One downfall of zinc oxide is that it does tend to cast a white glow over the skin when it’s applied, but that’s only a downfall if you see it as one. There are tinted options available to lessen this effect, but the benefits far outweigh the negative aspects. Being that it’s acting as a literal shield for your skin, a little pale smear is no big deal. 

Zinc oxide sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays and has incredible strength - without all the harsh chemicals. 

Protekt Line

One of the products that Protekt is most proud of is our eco friendly sunscreen. Not only does it go to bat for your skin, it doesn’t put the environment at risk like a lot of other sunscreens do. 

We offer four mineral sunscreens that act as physical sun-blockers, are reef safe, and good for sensitive skin. These include Organic Moisturizer (sunscreen in lotion form), our Clear Sunscreen Stick, Tinted Sunstick, and Zinc Oxide Lip Balm. 

Physical sunscreen plays a big role in not only keeping the environment safe, but preserving the health of your skin. When it comes time to purchase new sunblock, keep in mind how beneficial this mineral sunscreen is for your body and the world around you.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Protekt products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.