Do you stay away from chemical sunscreens?

Go_Dawgs

In reading reviews of BB creams and tinted moisturizers, I saw a lot of talk about physical vs. chemical sunscreens.  I really didn't know anything about this, so I did a little googling.  What I gather is that chemical sunscreens cause more free radicals on the skin, leading to aging of the skin (and possibly skin cancer), but physical sunscreens don't have as much UV protection.  It basically seems like there is no general consensus on which is best.  Is this right?  Do you stay away from chemical sunscreens?

I thought the Clinique BB I just bought was so great with spf 30 and antioxidants, but it does have a chemical sunscreen. 

mavjen

Hmm, I honestly don't know the difference between the 2.  I am bad, I don't like using sunscreen because it gives me pimples and whiteheads like crazy.  The only sunscreen that did not cause my skin to freak out and break out is Shiseido.  It also doesn't make my face shiny and reflective.  I think I am going to just buck up and use it a lot this summer, despite it being expensive.  I noticed last summer that I am getting sun or age spots from constant sun exposure.  I really to step up my game now since I'm middle aged.

MsHark

I stay away from chemical sunscreens also because they cause breakouts in a lot of people and it can be hard to find one that works.

I use Colorscience sunforgettable powder. The great thing about this is that zinc oxide also has acne fighting powers, so in my opinion it is a win win. And in case this gets brought up, while sunforgettable USED to contain bismuth oxychloride, they have been reformulated in the past couple years and no longer contain that ingredient.   I also love that it is in powder form so doesn't cause greasiness, feels nice on the skin, and I basically use it as my powder over my liquid foundation. It's also approved by the American Cancer Society.  

Go_Dawgs

MsHark:

I use Colorscience sunforgettable powder. 

I didn't even know there was such a thing as a powder that provided enough spf protection to not use a cream with spf.  Does it last all day, or do you find that you have to reapply?  Does it do a good job controlling shine?  I may need to try this!  If this works for me, it will open up moref options for BB creams and tinted moisturizers, because I ruled so many out because of low or no spf.  Since I wear powder anyway, using this would not add any extra step.

Go_Dawgs

Here's some information I found. I think I'm not going to worry about chemical sunscreens unless the American Academy of Dermatology ever has safety concerns.

 http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/cancer/articles/2010/05/25/is-sunscreen-dangerous-4-sun-protection-dos-and-donts-sunscreen

 http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/sunscreens-remain-safe-effective-form-of-sun-protection

 

AmeliaPond

I only use physical blocker sunscreens (concentration of 10% or higher zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) because it's more effective and recommended by my dermatologist due to the high rate of melanoma in my family.

dsacre

I use physical sunscreens - you just have to reapply more frequently (most people don't even apply chemical sunscreens frequently enough).

Tambcat

I'm not worried about free-radicals, but the chemical ones irritate my skin if I sweat, so I try not to use them on my face.

DCAnnie

AmeliaPond:

I only use physical blocker sunscreens (concentration of 10% or higher zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) because it's more effective and recommended by my dermatologist due to the high rate of melanoma in my family.

would you guys that use physical sunscreens recommend yours? i use powder face sunscreens (peter thomas roth and go!screen) on my face, neck, chest, and hands but these aren't ideal for full body during the summer.  

AmeliaPond

I like California Baby and the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection (though the second does also contain a chemical sunscreen.)

glittergal73

I haven't given it much though, but I want to research this further.  I try to stay away from chemicals in general, but I love my sunblock.

AmeliaPond

I've said it before, I'm sure I'll say it again.

Everything is made up of chemicals. You are made up of chemicals, water is a chemical, you eat chemicals daily. You cannot stay away from chemicals.