Did you know skin cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide? There were over one million new cases of skin cancer in 2020. The good news?

A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to skin cancer. One of the best ways of preventing skin cancer is using mineral sunscreen on your skin every day. Sunscreen is especially important for your face to avoid ageing. 

Mineral sunscreen is also the best option for people with sensitive skin. 

Keep reading to learn the best way to protect your sensitive skin from cancer and ageing.

A Word About Skin Cancer and UV Rays

Do you spend a lot of time in the sun? Sun exposure is the most common trigger for skin cancer, with 16,200 new melanoma skin cancer cases, registered in the UK every year. The good news is that 86% of all melanoma cases are preventable, so wearing mineral sunscreen every day and annual checks at the dermatologist are essential to keep your skin protected. 

The most common trigger for skin cancer is sun exposure. When you're in the sun, you're exposing yourself to three types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation:

• UVA

• UVB

• UVC

UVA rays from the sun cause ageing of the skin and cancer while UVB rays are responsible for redness and sunburn. No need to worry about UVC rays because the earth's atmosphere absorbs them before they get to you. 
UVA rays are especially insidious because they can penetrate clouds, pollution, and even glass. If you think your skin is safe because you're behind a window, think again! 
Sunscreen is one of the most important parts of your morning routine before you walk out the door. Even if you work inside all day, you're still exposed to harmful UVA rays when you're near a window, and to the HEV rays emitted from computer screens. 
To keep your skin protected, you should wear sunscreen every day as the last step of your skincare routine and reapply every two hours. Use sunscreens with sun protection factors (SPF) of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing in hot weather and avoid tanning beds. 

Types of Sunscreen

Sunscreens work by blocking harmful rays from the sun, reducing your risk of skin cancer. There are two major types of sunscreen. Each type works through a different mechanism.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens work through skin absorption. Chemical filters absorb UVA and UVB radiation and convert it to heat. The heat releases through the skin. When using a chemical sunscreen, it's important to apply it at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.
The heat associated with chemical SPF protectors is problematic for people with sensitive and rosacea-prone skin types. Chemicals filters are a recognised irritant for rosacea and can exacerbate its symptoms. 
The common chemical filters in sunscreens include avobenzone, octocrylene, oxybenzone, and ecamsule. If you see any of these words on the label, you're looking at a chemical sunscreen.

Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens don't absorb into the skin like chemical sunscreens. Instead, a mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin creating a physical barrier. You also don't need to worry about applying mineral sunscreens 20 minutes before you go outside. Mineral sunscreens get to work as soon as you apply them. 

Mineral sunscreens contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide or a combination of both. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only2 ingredients that are recognized as safe and effective by the FDA. Look for formulations that leave out phthalates, sulfates, and parabens since these are common culprits of skin irritation.

Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

Do you have sensitive skin? Mineral sunscreen is the best sunscreen for sensitive skin because it's not as irritating as a chemical sunscreen. 

Mineral sunscreen is also a good choice if you're looking for sunscreen for oily skin. That's because you can find some great powder formulations  that minimise shine and can double duty as a setting powder. 

If you're using powder sunscreen for oily skin, be sure and use mineral sunscreen under your makeup too. Use the powder over the top for added protection and to absorb excess oil. 

Reef-Safe, Cruelty-Free Sunscreen Formulations

When you're looking for mineral sunscreen, it's also important to find reef-safe, cruelty-free sunscreen formulations. Studies reveal thatsome of the chemicals found in chemical sunscreens are harmful to the ocean's reefs. 

Some of these chemicals cause deformities in baby coral. They also cause DNA damage and abnormal skeleton growth. It's no wonder these harsh chemical sunscreens are hard on sensitive skin too. 

It's also important to buy brands that don't test their products on animals. Colorescience has reef-safe, cruelty-free products. They're also free of phthalates, sulfates, and parabens, making them an excellent choice for sensitive skin. 

Use Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin? Mineral sunscreen is your safest bet for reducing skin sensitivities while protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Mineral sunscreens are also the perfect antidote to ageing skin. 

Don't wait until you see ageing skin or have worries about skin cancer. Put mineral sunscreen into your everyday routine now. 

Here at Colorescience, we have an array of mineral sunscreens for your face, body, and even your lips. If you struggle to find sunscreen for your sensitive skin, you've come to the right place. Stop using uncomfortable chemical sunscreens and treat your sensitive skin to mineral sunscreen today!