Sunscreen Myths, Rants, and What You Actually Need to Know
Sunscreen can be one of the most confusing and fear-mongered topics in skincare. Every summer (and honestly, year-round), I hear clients say things like, “I’m trying to avoid chemicals,” or “I heard mineral sunscreen is better,” or “Isn’t sunscreen toxic if it gets in your blood?” So let’s clear some things up with facts, not fear.
Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen: What’s the Real Difference?
Chemical and physical sunscreens are both safe and effective options for protecting your skin from sun damage. One is not inherently “better” or “safer” than the other.
Chemical sunscreens (aka organic) use ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate, mexoryl, Tinosorb A, and others that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin.
Physical (aka mineral) sunscreens, made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, actually work in a very similar way. They absorb about 95% of UV rays and convert that energy into heat, just like chemical filters. Only a small amount (around 5%) is actually reflected off the surface of the skin.
That old idea that mineral sunscreens just sit on top and reflect rays like little mirrors? A myth.
“But I Heard Chemicals Are Bad…”
Let’s pause here and talk about the word “chemical,” because I know it freaks people out. But here’s the truth: everything is made of chemicals. Water is a chemical. Oxygen is a chemical. Your skin is made up of chemicals. "Chemical" does not mean "toxic" or "unnatural." It simply describes a substance made up of molecules—and that includes “natural” ingredients too.
When people say they want “chemical-free” skincare, what they usually mean is that they want it to be safe. That’s totally fair! But safety has nothing to do with whether something is chemical or not. Some natural substances are incredibly toxic. Some lab-made ones are incredibly gentle. What matters is how it's formulated and tested.
What About Sunscreen in the Bloodstream?
You may have heard that chemical sunscreens absorb into the bloodstream and mineral ones don’t. This is one of the biggest fear-based myths out there. While it’s true that some chemical ingredients can be detected in the blood at extremely low levels after repeated use, this does not mean they’re harmful. Presence does not equal danger.
The FDA has evaluated these ingredients, and if there were any solid evidence of harm, they wouldn’t be approved for daily use.
On the flip side, most mineral sunscreen ingredients are also made synthetically in labs—because otherwise they wouldn’t be stable, and they’d feel chalky and awful on your skin. So if you’re buying a “natural” mineral sunscreen thinking it’s a cleaner or purer option, just know: you’re still using a lab-made chemical compound—and that’s not a bad thing.
And No—Mineral Sunscreens Are Not Automatically Better for the Environment
Another myth that’s gained traction is the idea that mineral sunscreens are more “reef-safe” or better for the environment than chemical ones. It’s not that simple.
For starters, the terms “reef-safe” and “reef-friendly” are completely unregulated—meaning brands can use them however they want, regardless of what ingredients are actually in the product.
Much of the reef-related fear came from a single flawed study, conducted by one researcher, that claimed certain sunscreen ingredients harmed coral reefs. But here’s the catch:
That study used extremely high concentrations of sunscreen filters—nowhere near the levels that would actually wash off human skin into the ocean. And it showed both chemical and mineral filters causing damage under those extreme, unrealistic conditions.
The science here is far from settled, and more high-quality, real-world studies are needed before we make sweeping claims.
On the flip side, mining zinc oxide and titanium dioxide from the earth is definitely not eco-friendly. It requires heavy machinery, disrupts ecosystems, and contributes to pollution. That’s why it’s actually better, for the planet and your skin, when these ingredients are made in a lab. Lab-made mineral filters are:
More stable
More elegant to wear
More sustainable
So if you're trying to make the most responsible choice, look for well-formulated products from brands that value safety, sustainability, and transparency—not just trendy marketing terms.
A Note on “Morning Sun” and Unprotected Exposure
There’s a growing trend among health-conscious folks to get unprotected sun exposure first thing in the morning—usually for circadian rhythm support, hormone health, or mood. And yes, the UV index is very low early in the day, especially before 9:00 AM. I’m not against this in principle.
But let’s be clear: if the sun is up, there are UV rays present. And those rays still contribute to skin aging and damage, even if it’s happening slowly. You skin remembers every drop of sunlight it gets. That damage accumulates.
If you’re someone who wants the benefits of morning sun but also cares about your skin aging gracefully, here’s a simple tip: wear sunscreen on your face, and let the sun hit areas like your arms or legs. You’ll still get that lovely morning light boost—but you won’t be sacrificing your facial collagen to get it.
And Finally: Let’s Just Say This
Sun exposure is 100% proven to cause skin cancer and speed up skin aging.
There are zero proven cases of sunscreen causing cancer.
So if you’ve been avoiding sunscreen, or certain types of sunscreen, because of something you read on Instagram or heard on a podcast—take a deep breath and know that the real danger is unprotected sun exposure, not sunscreen.
Use what works for your skin. Choose what feels good and that you’ll actually reapply. Whether it’s chemical or mineral, drugstore or luxury, tinted or clear:
The best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear.
