Solution Related Products

Help your skin shine with our full line of broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen products made to protect your skin in the healthiest way possible.

Mineral or chemical sunscreen — what’s the difference?

Mineral sunscreens contain minerally sourced particles such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and form a shield over the skin to help prevent UV light from penetrating. Mineral sunscreens are ideal for sensitive skin.

Chemical sunscreens chemically absorb the sun’s rays and keep them from penetrating the skin. These sunscreens contain synthetic compounds like avobenzone which transform UV rays into non-damaging forms of energy, like non-UV light or heat. They are also known as organic sunscreens and are often combined to provide more complete protection.

Which one is better?

The best sunscreen is the one you’ll use every day! Mineral and chemical sunscreens work in different ways and many products for sun protection use both. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are very stable in sunscreen formulas when exposed to the sun. They are ideal for sensitive skin because they are not absorbed by the skin and generally don’t cause reactions. No matter which sun protection product you choose, make sure it’s labelled “broad spectrum” for protection from both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of at least 30.

Benefits of zinc oxide for your skin

Zinc oxide has been used topically for centuries and is now a key active ingredient in many baby sun protection products, diaper rash creams, lotions and mineral sunscreens. In sunscreen products, zinc oxide sits on top of the skin to provide a protective layer of broad spectrum ultraviolet (UVA/UVB) protection.

The effectiveness of a sunscreen product that contains zinc oxide will depend on how much of it is used in the formula. Percentages of zinc oxide vary widely and can be up to 25% in sunscreens.

Personal care products such as makeup, foundation, BB creams and facial moisturizers contain zinc oxide for coverage.

Sunscreen and Skincare

The key to healthy skin is most definitely sun protection. When used as directed with other sun protection measures, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.

Drink water but don’t forget to hydrate your skin too

Skin that is well-hydrated is plumper, more resilient and less prone to wrinkles. Skin can get dehydrated if you are outside for an extended period and may need replenishment. If you’re using a moisturizer that contains sunscreen, make sure it provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection (SPF 30 or higher) and apply it evenly all over your face.

Leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturized with AVEENO® PROTECT + HYDRATE® SPF 30. This lotion sunscreen provides both 24-hour hydration and broad spectrum SPF 30 sun protection for skin. With oat, it nourishes skin with a lightweight and oil-free formula that’s sheer enough to use every day.

Sunblock for face

Regular use of a sunscreen combined with other measures that provide face protection from sun, significantly decreases your risk for skin cancer and helps to keep your skin smooth, healthy and younger-looking over time. Applying sunscreen should be part of your daily routine. Many sunscreens can be applied under makeup and some daily moisturizers and cosmetics are formulated with broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection.

Protect your sensitive skin with AVEENO® Sensitive Skin Face SPF 50. This mineral-based formula combines naturally-sourced zinc oxide, nourishing oat and vitamin E. Wear it under makeup or alone for daily protection against UVA/UVB rays.

  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Sweat-resistant
  • Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes

Sunscreens for sensitive skin

Nearly half of people say their skin is sensitive to skin care or household products that come in contact with their skin. Symptoms include:

  • Stinging
  • Burning
  • Redness
  • Tightness

When choosing a sunscreen, you want one that won’t irritate your skin more.

Experts recommend people with sensitive skin use a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of at least 30. The chance of a skin reaction occurring is lower because these sun protection products are less likely to be absorbed by the skin.

The lightweight, oil-free finish from AVEENO® Sensitive Skin Face SPF 50 makes it an ideal addition to your daily skincare routine. It features naturally sourced 100% zinc oxide and nourishing oat, to care for even the most sensitive skin.

  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Non-comedogenic

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Guide to Sunscreens Published July 3, 2012. https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreens-explained

American Academy of Dermatology: How to decode sunscreen lingo https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/prevent/sunscreen-labels/how-to-decode-sunscreen-lingo

Skin Cancer Foundation: UVA/UVB, https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb

Mrinal Gupta, Vikram K. Mahajan, Karaninder S. Mehta, and Pushpinder S. Chauhan, “Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review,” Dermatology Research and Practice, vol. 2014, Article ID 709152, 11 pages, 2014. doi:10.1155/2014/709152 https://www.hindawi.com/journals/drp/2014/709152/cta/

Zinc Oxide: Historical Uses and Modern Benefits: https://www.dermascope.com/resources/7983-zinc-oxide-historical-uses-and-modern-benefits

Zinc Oxide https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/zinc_oxide#section=Top

20 Common questions about sensitive skin, https://www.webmd.com/beauty/sensitive-skin-20-questions#1

Misery, L., Sibaud, V., Merial-Kieny, C. and Taieb, C. (2011), Sensitive skin in the American population: prevalence, clinical data, and role of the dermatologist. International Journal of Dermatology, 50: 961–967. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2011.04884.x, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2011.04884.x/abstract;jsessionid=90DCF0A7174A281682DBA113655568ED.f02t04

National Rosacea Society: Tips for Savvy Sunscreen Use, https://www.rosacea.org/rr/2003/summer/tips.php

National Rosacea Society: Sunscreen, https://www.rosacea.org/patients/skincare/sunscreen