May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to talk about the most important step in your skincare routine: sunscreen. With skin cancer being the most common cancer in the U.S., protecting your skin with sunscreen is essential for skincare health—not just when you’re at the beach.
But not all sunscreens are created equal. Mineral sunscreens, especially those with zinc oxide, offer unique benefits that go beyond UV protection. Let’s talk about why zinc-based sunscreens should be your go-to for healthy skin.
What Makes Zinc So Special?
Sunscreens with the natural mineral zinc oxide provide broad-spectrum protection by sitting on the skin’s surface and physically reflecting UV rays. Zinc doesn’t absorb into the skin or cause heat stimulation—it bounces UV radiation away.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV rays and convert them into heat within the skin. Heat absorption is a big issue for heat-sensitive skin and certain skin conditions, especially melasma, where heat and inflammation can trigger pigmentation.
The Problem with Chemical Sunscreens
While chemical sunscreens are widely available, they come with risks that are worth understanding:
- Endocrine Disruption: Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown to disrupt hormone function, which can affect everything from reproductive health to thyroid function.
- Not Reef Safe: These same ingredients are also harmful to marine life and coral reefs, contributing to environmental damage.
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Heat Activation: Because they work by converting UV rays into heat, chemical sunscreens can worsen pigmentation issues and inflammation on sensitive skin.
How To Remove Sunscreen?
Leaving sunscreen on the skin can lead to clogged pores and irritation. To remove sunscreen, we recommend a double cleanse. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down the sunscreen, followed by a gentle second cleanse to remove any residue from your skin.
Our Favorite Zinc-Based Sunscreens
These are the mineral sunscreens we recommend again and again—for good reason:
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ColoreScience Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Face Shield Flex SPF 50 This triple-threat formula works as your SPF, skincare, and makeup—all in one. It’s a 100% mineral sunscreen that offers buildable coverage thanks to its tint-flex technology. It comes in multiple shades and adapts to your skin tone for a natural, even finish—making it perfect for those who want sun protection with light coverage instead of makeup. Hydrating, antioxidant-rich, and beautifully blendable, it’s a daily essential for no-fuss, protected skin. |
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ColoreScience Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Brush-On Shield Glow SPF 50 This luminous, on-the-go powder formula gives you a radiant finish while delivering powerful zinc-based protection. Perfect for reapplying throughout the day—especially over makeup. |
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ColoreScience Total Protection® No-Show™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 A new favorite for its ultra-light texture and invisible finish. This 100% zinc oxide formula truly lives up to its name—no white cast, no residue, and no irritation. |
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ColoreScience Total Eye® 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 This multitasking eye treatment combines mineral SPF with hydration, brightening, and color correction. It’s safe for the delicate under-eye area where chemical sunscreens are often too harsh. |
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Zinc-based sunscreens are more than just sun protection — From reducing inflammation and heat absorption to protecting against hormonal disruption, zinc is a skincare staple both topically and internally.
This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, commit to making mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Your skin—and the planet—will thank you.
