The TRUTH ABOUT MINERAL SUNSCREEN 🤔 Dermatologist @DrDrayzday | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Mineral sunscreens do not primarily reflect UV rays but also absorb them like chemical sunscreens.

Key Insights

• 🤘 Mineral sunscreens contain metal oxides like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which primarily absorb UV rays rather than reflecting them.
• 🙂 The white appearance of mineral sunscreens is due to the scattering and reflection of light rather than just UV rays.
• 🇧🇻 Historical labeling of mineral sunscreens as sunblocks for reflection has influenced common misconceptions about their UV protection mechanisms.
• 😎 The terminology of "chemical sunscreens" versus "mineral sunscreens" may not accurately describe their sun protection mechanisms, as both types primarily absorb UV rays.
• 🫥 Both chemical and mineral sunscreens can be effective for UV protection, with the advantage of chemical sunscreens being a lack of visible white cast on the skin.
• 😎 Accuracy in describing sunscreen ingredients is crucial to prevent misunderstandings and promote proper sunscreen usage for sun protection.
• ⚾ Understanding the mechanisms of mineral and chemical sunscreens can help individuals make informed choices based on their preferences for sunscreen application.

Transcript

well hey guys for today's video I've got to share with you the truth about mineral sunscreens let me know in the comments have you ever heard the statement or read somewhere that chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays whereas mineral sunscreens work by reflecting and scattering UV rays um that's not entirely true there's more to the story in... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How do chemical sunscreens differ from mineral sunscreens in terms of UV protection?

Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds that absorb UV rays, while mineral sunscreens use metal oxides like zinc oxide to also absorb UV rays, contrary to the common belief of reflection.

Q: Why do mineral sunscreens appear white on the skin?

Mineral sunscreens have a white appearance because the particles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide scatter light and reflect it back, creating a visible white layer on the skin.

Q: What was the historical perception of mineral sunscreens compared to chemical sunscreens?

Historically, mineral sunscreens were perceived as sunblocks that reflect UV rays, but recent research shows that both mineral and chemical sunscreens primarily absorb UV rays for protection.

Q: How can the misconception between mineral and chemical sunscreens impact sunscreen usage?

Misconceptions about sunscreen terminology can lead to misunderstandings about their effectiveness, potentially influencing people's sunscreen choices based on inaccurate beliefs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds that absorb UV rays, while mineral sunscreens contain metal oxides like zinc oxide that also absorb UV rays.

• The misconception that mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays primarily stems from their white appearance due to reflection of light.

• Both mineral and chemical sunscreens primarily work by absorbing UV rays to protect the skin from sun damage.