mom holding kids in the sun

The 411 on mineral SPF

Evereden is redefining multi-generational skincare with science-backed, plant-based skincare for mom, baby and kids. Made by Moms in Medicine.

Whether you’ve been an avid sunscreen user your entire life, or you’re just realizing how important it is to add an SPF to your skincare routine, the skincare experts at Evereden are here to break it down for you.   

Mineral, hybrid, or chemical? Nano vs. Non-nano? How does it work and is it effective? All great questions.   

First things first, what’s the difference between mineral and chemical SPF?  

Chemical sunscreens protect skin by absorbing rays and breaking down the UV rays. A study by the FDA conducted in 2020 showed that there are some chemical sunscreens that absorb into the bloodstream at levels considered to be above their safety thresholds. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid chemical sunscreens, but if they’re your only option, say yes to SPF! 

Mineral sunscreens act as a physical barrier to UV rays: they sit on top of the skin and deflect the UV rays away from the body. There are only two mineral-based ingredients, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Everything else is chemical.

And then there are the hybrid sunscreens. Often called “mineral-based,” these formulas contain both chemical and mineral blockers.

Now, you may have been hearing about nano vs. non-nano. But why should you care?  

Nano-sized particles are extremely tiny particles – so tiny in fact that you can fit thousands of them across a one single human hair strand. They’re often used in 100% mineral-based sunscreen formulas because they allow for a sheerer formula, with a reduced white cast. But the flip side? Because they are so tiny, nano-sized particles can potentially be absorbed into the bloodstream.  

So that leads us to non-nano-sized particles, which as the name suggests, are not as small as their nano counterparts. The larger size means they aren’t absorbed by the skin. Because of these larger sized particles, formulas with non-nano particles typically are thicker, with a greater white cast.  

So, what’s the verdict?  

For the most trusted, complete protection, opt for a 100% mineral-based, non-nano sunscreen formula. In the past, this may have meant compromising on your sunscreen, forgoing lightweight SPF for thick, white pasty creams.   

But today, there are options, like Evereden’s 100% mineral, non-nano zinc oxide SPF, which allows for an ultra-sheer and lightweight formula without any safety compromises. 

Read more 

Copyright 2021, Evereden  

Find the Ovia app for you!
Get our app at the Apple App Store Get our app at the Apple App Store Get our app at the Google Play Store Get our app at the Google Play Store