Mineral sunscreen: a valuable ally against UV rays

The importance of protecting your skin

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

UVR: main culprits of skin damage

Ultraviolet radiation , or UVR, are waves that are part of the light spectrum and can interact with living tissues. When the skin is exposed to the sun, a major 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, manifestations of said changes. Among ultraviolet radiation, those of the UVA and UVB type are problematic, since they reach us, unlike UVC which does not reach the Earth's surface, because it is 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 “broad spectrum” sun protection.

Chemical or mineral sun protection: which one to choose?

On the market, there are two types of sunscreens : chemical filters, or those called "traditional", and mineral filters, which are increasingly widespread. The effectiveness and staying power of each are similar, but they have differences in terms of the mode of action and the active ingredients that make them up.

Chemical sunscreens

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

One source of concern with chemical filters is the lack of data on the molecules that compose them; 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 travel to and affect the bloodstream. Furthermore, when an individual having applied a chemical sunscreen swims in the sea, the components of the screen are found in the water and cause damage to coral reefs by causing their discoloration, a manifestation of the stress caused and the danger of death.

Mineral sunscreens

Mineral filters are composed of fine inorganic particles that act as a physical barrier by deflecting light and reflecting ultraviolet radiation. These particles are actually very small grains, visible on the nanoscopic scale, which are deposited on the surface of the skin and disperse the rays that reach it. As mineral sunscreens do not penetrate the skin or penetrate 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 rosacea and those who have already suffered from cancer.

One of the risks posed by nanoparticles in mineral sunscreens is inhalation , when they come in loose powder or aerosol form. The risk is less, even minimal, when they are applied in cream form. Although they were once criticized for 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 during their manufacture.

Why did you 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, with the aim of integrating it into its online store. CyberDERM Simply Zinc Ultra SPF 50 sunscreen, designed and manufactured by The Sunscreen Company, has all the features you want:

• It has an SPF of 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 its credentials when it comes to ingredients, CyberDERM sunscreen dries on the skin almost instantly after application. In addition, with its light shade, it goes well with all skin types. Enough to undo all the prejudices about mineral 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 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 notable effect, Norway spruce extract, or Picea abies , provides the sunscreen with 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 works to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and pigment spots.

We hope that this information will have allowed you to better understand the difference between chemical filters and mineral filters, but that it will also have convinced you of the importance of protecting your skin on a daily basis, throughout the lifespan. year. To purchase the mineral sunscreen , visit our website and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.