The Mineral Sunscreen: A Precious Ally Against UV Rays

The importance of protecting your skin

The importance of protecting your skin every day by applying sunscreen was already discussed in a previous article. Sun protection should be applied every day, in summer and winter, by everyone, but especially by people with problems of hyperpigmentation of the skin, photo-aging or a history of cancer. Sunscreen takes care to prevent skin aging, change in the appearance of pores, the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, the appearance of pigment spots and the development of certain cancers. The use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is recommended.

UVR: the main cause of skin damage

Ultraviolet radiation, or UVR, are waves that are part of the light spectrum and can interact with living tissue. When the skin is exposed to the sun, a great emitter of UV radiation, it can undergo biochemical or physiological changes. Prolonged and unprotected exposure can actually cause sunburn, premature aging of the skin and an increased risk of cancer. Among the UV rays, those of the UVA and UVB type are problematic, since they reach us, unlike UVCs which do not reach the surface of the Earth, because they are completely blocked by the Earth's atmosphere. It is therefore crucial that a sunscreen effectively protects against these first two types of radiation. When this is the case, it is considered to be a "broad spectrum" sunscreen.

Chemical or mineral sun protection: which one to choose?

There are two types of sunscreens on the market: chemical filters, or so-called "traditional" filters, and mineral filters, which are becoming more common. Everyone's effectiveness and staying power are similar, but they differ in terms of how they work and the active ingredients in them.

Chemical sunscreens

Chemical filters are made up of one or more organic molecules that absorb ultraviolet radiation and then release the absorbed energy before it causes damage to skin tissue. However, chemical sunscreens are only effective 30 minutes after application and pose an increased risk of allergy or intolerance when compared to their mineral counterparts.

One concern with chemical filters is the lack of data on the molecules that make them up; some are even suspected of being endocrine disruptors or allergens. Some of these compounds penetrate deep into the skin with ingredients that promote absorption and can get into the bloodstream and affect it. In addition, when an individual who has applied a chemical sunscreen bathes in the sea, the components of the screen are found in water and cause damage to coral reefs, causing them to become discolored, a manifestation of the stress caused and increased danger of death.

Mineral sunscreens

Mineral filters are composed of fine inorganic particles which act as a physical barrier by deflecting light and reflecting ultraviolet radiation. These particles are actually very small grains, visible on a nanoscopic scale, which are deposited on the surface of the skin and scatter the rays that reach it. Since mineral sunscreens do not penetrate the skin or very little, they are effective from the moment of application and present a lower risk of allergy or intolerance. This is why their use is recommended for children, pregnant women, people with sensitive skin or with rosacea and those who have already suffered from cancer.

One of the risks posed by nanoparticles from mineral sunscreens is inhalation, when they come in the form of loose powder or aerosol. The risk is lower, even minimal, when applied as a cream. Although they were once accused of leaving a whitish film on the skin and being unpleasant to apply, mineral sunscreens are now more fluid and transparent thanks to the use of smaller particles.

Why did we choose CyberDERM Simply Zinc Ultra sunscreen?

Taking this information into account, Omy Laboratoires was therefore looking for a mineral sunscreen whose composition and properties would respect its values, in order to integrate it into its online store. CyberDERM Simply Zinc Ultra SPF 50 sunscreen, designed and manufactured by The Sunscreen Company, has all the desired characteristics:

-It is SPF 50;

-It protects the skin from UVA and UVB (broad spectrum protection);

-It offers 100% mineral sun protection;

-It is made up of 91% ingredients of natural origin;

-It does not contain silicones, parabens and methylisothiazolinone (MIT);

-It is suitable for children over 6 months and people with sensitive skin;

-It is safe for coral reefs;

-It is made in Toronto, Canada.

In addition to showing off in terms of ingredients, CyberDERM sunscreen dries on the skin almost instantly after application. Additionally, with its light shade, it goes well with all skin types. CyberDERM sunscreen has everything to debunk all the prejudices about mineral sun filters!

How does CyberDERM sunscreen protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun?

The ingredient responsible for the effectiveness of sunscreen in preventing the harmful consequences of the sun and its radiation is zinc oxide, a mineral filter. With a concentration of 25%, it produces the "shield" effect by depositing in a thin layer on the surface of the skin to reflect UVA and UVB rays, its particles acting like microscopic mirrors. Zinc oxide is considered safe for coral reefs. As a second ingredient with a noticeable effect, the Norway spruce extract, or Picea abies, gives the sunscreen a dose of antioxidants. This class of molecules helps prevent skin oxidation, which can lead to premature skin aging and certain other skin problems. Oxidation, or oxidative stress, is caused in particular by the sun, pollution, the environment, cigarettes, etc. Thus, thanks to its antioxidant effect, this ingredient of natural origin takes care to decrese the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and pigment spots.

We hope that this information has allowed you to better understand the difference between chemical filters and mineral filters, but that it has also convinced you of the importance of protecting your skin on a daily basis, throughout the year. To get the mineral sunscreen, go to our website and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.