Finding the best mineral sunscreen online is the perfect way to protect your skin. These tinted sunscreens caneven out skin tone. They also benefit certain skin conditions. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Visible Light?
What is visible light and how does it affect your skin? UV radiation and visible light are both part of the electromagnetic spectrum. UV radiation is composed of three wavelengths: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer. So, UVA and UVB are the primary wavelengths that penetrate the skin. UVA is primarily responsible for premature skin aging. UVB has been implicated in sunburns and skin cancer.
The sun also emits Visible Light. This is the light we see with our eyes. Visible light can also come from artificial sources like medical devices, light bulbs, and screens. Visible light has several skin-related therapeutic uses at specific wavelengths. For example, it can treat superficial blood vessels, acne and precancerous skin lesions. It also removes unwanted hair.
Why It Matters
Visible light penetrates much deeper into the skin than UV radiation. It can also have negative consequences for your skin. In fact, visible light may exacerbater disorders of excess skin pigmentation. Including conditions like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Furthermore, one study showed that visible light caused more noticeable, persistent hyperpigmentation than UVA alone. Particularly in people with deep skin tones. This may also be true for blue light. That’s important because our screen emit blue light.
Broad Spectrum, Non-Tinted Sunscreen
Broad spectrum non-tinted sunscreen contains filters that block UVA and UVB, but they don’t block visible light. To block visible light, a sunscreen must be visible on the skin. The problem is that the particles in non-tinted sunscreen are nanosized to reduce the white appearance of sunscreen. Since they are formulated to be invisible, they cannot block visible light.
Mineral Sunscreen
Tinted sunscreens combine broad spectrum mineral UV filters, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide with added pigments. This creates a visible, skin-tone color that can reflect away the visible light. Mixing oxides and pigmentary titanium dioxide creates a colored base. This results in a tinted sunscreen that can match any skin tone. You can even buy some of the best mineral sunscreen online!
Tinted Sunscreen and Skin Conditions
Evidence suggests that tinted sunscreens may be important for people prone to hyperpigmentation or melasma. Since the tinted mineral sunscreen blocks visible light, which is known to exacerbate these conditions.
How to find the Best Mineral Sunscreen Online
Wearing a broad-spectrum, tinted mineral sunscreen can help prevent age-related skin damage. It can also prevent cancer-inducing skin changes and protect against excess pigmentation. These products are widely available online or in retail stores. To learn more about the best mineral sunscreen online or in the store, please contact Integrated Dermatology of Reston.