What are physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen? Does physical sunscreen require makeup removal?

Sunscreen can be divided into physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. So, what exactly are physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen? Did you figure it out? Let’s take a look together.

What are physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen

Physical sunscreen, that is, physical sunscreen, mainly relies on reflection or scattering to block ultraviolet rays to achieve the purpose of sun protection. Chemical sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen, also known as UV absorber, which achieves sun protection by absorbing harmful ultraviolet rays. Chemical sunscreen molecules will be absorbed by the skin. The process of absorbing ultraviolet rays occurs inside the skin and is metabolized and eliminated by the human body.

Physical sunscreen products

Texture: relatively sticky

Principle: radiation, scattering of UVA and UVB, etc.

Ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, talc, magnesium oxide and calcium carbonate, etc. Titanium dioxide can completely block UVB, but it can only block UVA with a shorter wavelength and cannot block long waves. Zinc oxide is an important and widely used physical sunscreen. It shields ultraviolet rays through absorption and scattering. It can block almost all wavelengths of UVA and UVB and is relatively safe. However, its disadvantage is that it will turn white and be sticky when applied.

Skin type: Suitable for oily skin or combination skin without allergies

Advantages: high stability and safety

Disadvantages: Thick texture, unnatural whiteness after application, may clog pores

Chemical sunscreen products

Texture: Relatively refreshing

Principle: Absorb ultraviolet rays of different bands to achieve sun protection effect

Ingredients: Ingredients that absorb UVB include para-aminobenzoic acid and its derivatives (cinnamate, salicylic acid), and ingredients that absorb UVA include benzophenones, Mexoryl SX, Tinosorb, etc.

Skin type: Suitable for dry skin and sensitive skin

Advantages: Light texture, easy to spread, not pale

Disadvantages: It is somewhat irritating, so people with sensitive skin should be careful

Do physical sunscreens require makeup removal?

As long as you use sunscreen products, whether physical or chemical, it will put a burden on the skin, so you need to remove makeup, unless the sunscreen clearly states that no makeup removal is required and you can just use facial cleanser. Ordinary water-free sunscreen products can be deeply cleansed with a facial cleanser; waterproof products need to be removed with a makeup remover.