Lily Corcoran
With it now officially being summer, sunnier days are on the horizon. With the hotter months upon us, it can often be stressful for those of us with sensitive, troublesome skin to settle on the right products to use in the warmer weather. However, sun cream needs to be the most important part of our beauty regime this summer. That’s where mineral sun cream comes in!
Having sensitive skin can certainly make you more conscious of what products you’re putting on your skin. If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably shy away from any products packed full of a long list of unrecognisable ingredients. Sunscreens with a strong, artificial scent are also a bit of a turn off for me. So, I’ve scoured the web to put together this list of mineral sun creams which don’t include any nasty chemicals that might inflame sensitive skin. They’re also all light, gentle, and won’t block your pores, so a great option for all skin types!
Why is sun cream so important?
Sun cream is something that is often overlooked by many over-confident Brits! But there’s no denying that sun cream plays an important role in anyone’s skincare routine. I was advised by my dermatologist that I should be wearing sun cream every day, even when it seems cloudy outside. It’s a good habit to ensure we’re regularly protecting our skin from invisible UV rays. Sunscreen helps to prevent damage, both in the short term and, most importantly, in years to come.
Chemical vs Mineral: which is best?
There are two different strands of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. While there’s ongoing research to decide which is better (including variables such as skin colour and the level of potentially harmful chemicals absorbed), the overriding opinion is that sunscreen is important for everyone and shouldn’t be forgotten about! However, there isn’t one all-round sunscreen for everybody. Skin type definitely plays a role in what sort of products we ought to gravitate towards. That being said, if you’re someone with sensitive or acne-prone skin, mineral sunscreen is a great option for you.
Having a light base which gently rests on the outer layer of your skin is preferable to having chemical-rich products absorbed. Mineral sunscreens won’t block your pores and let your skin breathe.
To learn more about the benefits of mineral sun creams for our bodies and for the planet, be sure to check out this article!
Baring your face to the sun: abolishing the myths
I was told as a hormonal teen with raging acne and sensitive skin that exposing my skin to the sun would help it go away. I can’t be the only one who was advised that I needed to dry out my spots for them to vanish!
While Vitamin D is good for skin cell repair and growth, that doesn’t mean that it’s wise to sit out in the sun without any protection. Exposure to the sun also shouldn’t look like sitting on a lounger for hours on end, doused in tanning oil! Our skin is sensitive (some more than others!) and we need to make sure we’re looking after it. Protection and moderation are key to protect your sensitive skin and enjoy the sun at the same time!
Taking breaks from the sun to sit in the shade is also important when it comes to protecting your skin.
While sunkissed skin is greatly sought after, taking care of your sensitive skin should be your first priority!
Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen regularly, too! Most of these mineral sun creams need to be reapplied every 80 minutes for maximum protection. So if you do plan to fall asleep on the lounger, make sure you’re in the shade!
Below are some gentle mineral sun creams created by brands that pay special attention to sensitive skin.
Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this product offers high-strength protection from the sun, while also caring for the skin with antioxidants. Crafted by a brand that guarantees careful dermatological testing, this sun cream is gentle, non-oily and fortified with Senna Alata, a tropical leaf extract which has been shown to defend against free radicals.
Fortified with botanical extracts, including passion fruit and rice starch, REN’s mineral sun cream promises to protect while balancing the complexion. This vegan, low-waste sun cream is ideal for those who want to care for their skin and the Earth at the same time. Packaged in recycled plastic, this sunscreen packs a punch with its non-irritating, gentle formula that won’t block your pores.
Perfect for use on the body, this sunscreen is hypoallergenic and specially formulated with sensitive skin in mind. It would be ideal for use on body acne, as it contains Vitamin E and Green Tea antioxidants that work to protect the skin. It also promises a sheer, lightweight finish that won’t block your pores.
Another great sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, Clinique’s mineral sun cream offers a light-feeling layer of protection that doesn’t leave white marks. It’s approved for sensitive skin and is oil-free, so thoughts of greasy skin can be dispelled!
This mineral sunscreen has the skin’s best interests in mind, as well as the planet’s. For use on babies and adults alike, this product acts as a natural sun block, protecting the skin from damage from the sun’s powerful rays.
Ultimately, shopping for a sun cream that works best for your skin type involves a bit of trial and error, but hopefully you’ll be able to find your perfect sunscreen from this list! As the science develops, I don’t doubt we’ll see more mineral, dermatologist-recommended sun creams for sensitive skin, but these are the best on the market from what I’ve seen.
Please feel free to leave any recommendations down below so we can grow the list! Wishing everyone a lovely summer and the confidence to safely bare your skin no matter what form it takes!
Lily Corcoran
Lily is a lover of literature. As a longstanding vegan and avid supporter of ethical fashion, she believes in the importance of talking about sustainability with open-minded readers. She also runs her own blog where she posts poetry, articles on topical subjects and the occasional French short story!
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