CHOOSING A CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL SPF?

 

Sun Protection

We know that we need to be wearing an SPF every single day of the year. When we are inside, or outside. Whether the sun is beaming, or the rain is pouring, we still need to be protecting our skin with an SPF. There are so many different types of SPF, and I’m sure you will be assuming that the higher the sun protection factor, the better. However, this is not entirely true.

Sun protection can be purchased as either a physical SPF or a chemical SPF. Now, you’re probably wondering what’s the difference and how do you know which is better? Well, let’s get into the properties of these products and how they work. Hopefully, this will make it a lot more clear for you.

 

Chemical Sun Protection

Chemical SPF’s are typically those that are purchased from our high street stores. Usually much more affordable, but how much are they actually protecting our skin?

Chemical sun protection use “organic sun filters” which work by absorbing the UV radiation and deactivating it by changing it into heat. Our skin then releases this heat, in order to protect our skin.

 

Physical Sun Protection

Physical SPF’s use “inorganic sunscreen ingredients” that will act as a shield to reflect and scatter UV rays off the surface of the skin. This results in skin that is highly protected from damaging rays.


That’s all of the science-y bit. Now, it does seem confusing and right now it sounds like they both protect the skin, right? But, now let’s have a little look at the pro’s and con’s of these products.

 

 

CHEMICAL

PRO’S

  • Usually have an easy application.

  • They have a thin and translucent consistency, meaning that they won’t typically leave a white appearance.

  • Provides broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

CON’S

  • Usually a 20 minute period after application until the product becomes activated and can protect the skin.

  • Higher chance of irritation to chemical ingredients.

  • Harmful chemicals could potentially be absorbed by the skin and increase the risk of free radical damage.

  • Chemical ingredients also tend to not be as effective when expose to UV after time.


 

PHYSICAL

PRO’S

  • Much safer to use, due to the physical sunscreen ingredients not being absorbed by the skin.

  • A lot more gentle on the skin. Less risk of sensitivity or a reaction.

  • Provides broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

  • Gives protection to skin immediately once applied.

    CON’S

  • The only problem with a physical sunscreen is that the minerals used

    have a negative reputation of leaving a slightly white appearance once

    applied, especially on darker skin tones.

 

 

We hope this helps when purchasing your next sunscreen.

Remember what to look for when purchasing.

Here are your 3 key points;

Ø  Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB protection – ALWAYS

Ø  Added Antioxidants – These powerful ingredients will help to reduce the effects that the UV rays have on the skin. These are the UV rays that can unfortunately pass through sun protection.

Ø Please bare in mind that an SPF with a high factor may contain harmful chemicals. So it’s always best to check the ingredients.

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At Pure Emporium, we retail a few different products that will physically help to protect your skin. These products are;

 

Environ RAD

Environ RAD is a revolutionary sunscreen containing sun filters and sun reflectants that give an SPF 15 to provide protection from both UVA and UVB irradiation. Also contains a free radical scavenging system consisting of antioxidant vitamins to combat the effects of the sun and pollution on the skin.

 

 



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JANE IREDALE POWDER ME SPF

A weightless, dry, physical SPF 30 broad spectrum sunscreen for face, body and scalp in a refillable flow-through vegan brush. Wear alone or over makeup.

 
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PURE PRESSED FOUNDATION

Jane Iredale Purepressed Base Mineral Foundation Refill is a pressed mineral foundation that is slightly more sheer and matte than loose powder. Made from micronized minerals, the formula is oil-free and weightless. It is an SPF foundation, powder and concealer with broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection.

 
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JANE IREDALE LIP DRINK

Jane Iredale LipDrink Lip Balm is a lip-saving balm that provides mouth-watering moisture and broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen. A variety of waxes and oils combine to provide an antioxidant-rich protective shield while offering a refreshing lemon flavour.

 

The easiest way to purchase any products is by sending us an email to info@pureemporium.co.uk or alternatively, you can visit the salon and pick up your products from there.

Speak Soon!

Megan, Pure Emporium 😊

x

Amy CardPure Emporium