(Reuters) - With world temperatures reaching record highs this summer, you may want to reconsider which sunscreen you are using, experts say.
Sunscreens are not all the same. The two major types – mineral and chemical – handle the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays differently, and during extremely hot weather, those differences can matter.
HOW DO SUNSCREENS WORK?
Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They create a barrier that reflects UV light before it penetrates the skin. Because mineral sunscreens aren't absorbed, older formulations often had a greasy feel and a white appearance.
Newer formulations, made with mineral nanoparticles, "rub into the skin beautifully," said Dr. Jacqueline Watchmaker, a dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
People who do not like the thicker texture of mineral sunscreens often use chemical sunscreens in creams or sprays. The ingredients form a thin protective film that absorbs UV rays and changes their structure, converting them into heat before they penetrate the skin.
Ultimately, the chemicals themselves are absorbed into the bloodstream, and health officials say more research is needed to understand the safety impacts of long-term use.
WHEN DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Ordinarily, "the best type of sunscreen is the one you will use again and again," the AAD advises on its website.
