We all know sunscreen for face also known as sunblock is a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine to avoid getting premature aging signs, wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.

In a market packed with hundreds different products the question stays how to choose the best daily sunscreen for face and body.

To give you an informed answer, it is important to recognize that there are two major types of sunscreens available according to the mechanism of protection and ingredients: Chemical Sunscreens and Mineral Sunscreens.

• The Mineral sunscreen provides physical protection by sitting on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays as mirror and blocks the penetration in to the skin layers. Natural minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the main active ingredients in physical sunscreen.
• The Chemical sunscreen provides chemical protection by interacting with UV rays, converting the rays into heat and released from skin. The main active ingredients in these chemical sunscreens include Avobenzone, Octinoxate and Oxybenzone.

Whether you choose physical or chemical SPF, there are several things to look for on the label to be able to choose the best sunscreen and the safest for your skin and your general health.

• Broad spectrum (protects from both UVA and UVB rays)
• Contains moisturizing ingredients
• Fragrance-free
• Paraben-free
• Phthalates-free
• Free from any Synthetic colours
• Free from any controversial chemicals
• Free from Oxybenzone

Why is oxybenzone considered potentially dangerous and you need to avoid?

Oxybenzone is a “potential hormone disruptor,”. This means it may interfere with the endocrine system, which regulates biological processes like metabolism, growth, thyroid function, sexual function, reproduction and ovulation cycle due to its effects on the estrogen hormone.

In May 2019, a study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), where researchers have verified that sunscreen's ingredients (Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, and Ecamsule) traces were found in the blood at a significantly high levels after use.

In January 2020, another study was conducted to confirm this detection and additional studies are needed to determine the systemic absorption of additional active ingredients and how quickly systemic exposure exceeds 0.5 ng/mL as recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Check the study Here

Although a wide range of scientists assert that there is no concrete evidence to suggest that the use of Oxybenzone in sunscreens is unsafe and that can't lead to cancer or any female hormonal and reproductive complications.

I believe that mineral or physical sunscreens, despite being thicker and heavier than chemical alternatives, offer superior protection and are a healthier and safer option for your skin.