I've been a sunscreen nomad, but I've finally settled down lol. Do you know the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens before using them?

Hello, Maypure members! The weather was so nice a few days ago that I went on a picnic by the Han River with friends. Even though it isn't even summer yet, the sunlight was really stinging and my face felt hot and burning. I think the season has definitely arrived where we need to reapply sunscreen thoroughly, unless we are staying indoors all the time. Ever since I was young, I really hated the greasy, sticky feeling and the stuffiness on my face typical of sunscreen, so I rarely wore it unless it was the scorching midsummer. As a result, starting in my late 20s, age spots and freckles began to creep up on my cheekbones and around my eyes. I'm belatedly kicking myself in regret, so these days I make sure to apply sunscreen every day, even when just going to the convenience store in front of my house.

I really failed a lot and wasted a lot of money trying to find a sunscreen that suited my skin. There was a time when I bought just anything without checking the ingredients and ended up shedding tears all day like someone yawning because my eyes stung so badly. Another time, I bought a product advertised as tone-up, but the white cast was so severe that I looked like a ghost with a huge difference between my face and neck color, haha. But then, after studying cosmetic ingredients and learning the clear difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens, I finally found one that suited my skin condition. For those of you who, like me, are wandering as "sunscreen nomads" unable to find one you like, I thought I’d write a bit longer about the little bit of knowledge I’ve gained, haha.

First, mineral sunscreens (physical sunscreens) work by forming a thin protective layer on the skin's surface to reflect UV rays like a mirror. Since there are no chemical reactions, the ingredients are gentle, and I found them to be excellent for those with combination skin like mine, which becomes sensitive or prone to breakouts during seasonal changes. Another advantage is that the sun protection effect appears immediately upon application! However, they do leave a bit of a white cast, which can make your face look unnaturally separate from your face. Also, the texture is a bit stiff, so if you apply it hastily before makeup in a rush in the morning, your foundation often smudges or cakes; therefore, you really have to be careful with the amount you use when applying a sponge.

Conversely, organic sunscreens (chemical sunscreens) work by first absorbing UV rays into the skin, converting them into heat, and then releasing them outward. They have an incredibly smooth and moisturizing texture, just like applying a skincare lotion or moisturizer, so there is absolutely no white cast. They are truly the best substitute for a base before applying makeup, haha. However, since chemical ingredients are absorbed into the skin, I've heard that applying them around the eyes might cause stinging, and those with extremely sensitive skin might experience redness or breakouts. Also, they say you need to apply them at least 30 minutes before going out for the protective barrier to form and be effective. I use hybrid sunscreens when I wear makeup, and apply a generous amount of mineral sunscreen when I go barefaced on weekends, haha. I hope everyone finds their holy grail sunscreen!