In addition to chemical sunscreens, which -- as we just discussed -- are absorbed into the skin and protect us from sunlight by absorbing damaging UV rays, there are physical sunscreens, which are sunscreens with inorganic filters that counter damaging rays by physically blocking them from penetrating skin.
Physical sunscreens have never really gained mass popularity despite their great sun protective qualities, which is unfortunate because they offer some of the very best protection. The problem? They contain mineral ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, ingredients that can feel thick and pasty and can leave behind a white residue. But their protective qualities may be well worth a chalky complexion.
Because they aren't absorbed into the skin, these sunscreens are a great option for people with oily complexions. They don't cause allergic reactions and they don't clog pores. They also don't contain any oils. Recently, many physical sunscreens have been reformulated to make them less chalky, and they are now available in a rainbow of colors, as well as in new powder formulas that can be skin-friendly specifically for those with oily or blemish-prone skin.