It’s not just about avoiding sunburn on holiday—daily SPF protects against premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and, most importantly, skin cancer.

Despite how essential it is, sunscreen is still one of the most misunderstood skincare steps. Many people are confused about which SPF to use, whether tinted SPF or makeup with SPF is enough, or whether mineral or chemical sunscreens are better. And what about SPF for kids or sensitive skin?

If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen heated discussions about mineral vs. chemical sunscreen—which one is better, which one is “safer,” and which one provides the best protection. The truth? Both work in the same fundamental way to protect your skin from UV damage, and what matters most is finding one you’ll wear every single day.

For years, we were told that mineral sunscreens physically block and reflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb them and convert them into heat. However, more recent research suggests that both types of sunscreen primarily work by absorbing UV radiation—they just use different active ingredients to do it.

So, the old belief that mineral sunscreens act as a “shield” while chemical sunscreens act as a “sponge”? Not entirely accurate.

Want the ultimate protection?

Dr. Laura recommends using both mineral and chemical sunscreens together to maximize coverage across the entire UVA/UVB spectrum. Some hybrid formulas even combine both for the best of both worlds!