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Play comfortably with mineral sunscreen

We're all about helping you step out of the shade and live fearlessly in the sun! Our dermatologist and pediatrician trusted mineral sunscreens help deliver safe physical sun protection to you and your family. They’re even a good choice for those with sensitive skin.

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Chemical vs. Mineral sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens are the most common sunscreens on the market. They work by absorbing into the deeper layers of your skin and converting UV rays into heat, which is released into the skin. Unfortunately, UV light can destroy this function of chemical sunscreens, leaving you unprotected with potential for skin irritation.

Mineral-based sunscreens use Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide which sit on top of your skin, reflecting and scattering UV rays. These sunscreens are designed to help protect your skin by reflecting the sun's harmful rays.

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Broad spectrum protection with minerals

Dermatologists and pediatricians trust sunscreens with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to deliver gentle, physical sun protection to you and your family. They’re great for those with sensitive skin.

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Blue Lizard sunscreen stick application

Fun fact

Zinc Oxide is a white-colored powder that may have been used medicinally as early as 500 BC. Today, it can be found in food products, bandages, medicines, sunscreens and calamine lotion.

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A woman applying Blue Lizard sunscreen on her face on the beach

Fun fact

Titanium Dioxide is an odorless powder often used as a white pigment. In fact, titanium white is the most commonly used pigment on the market, giving medications and candy their white sheen.

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Dermatologists and pediatricians recommend mineral sunscreens

Studies show that using a quality sunscreen daily can reduce the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, melasma, and dark spots.

Dermatologists say...
Choose a sunscreen with*:

SPF 30 or higher

Broad spectrum protection

Water resistance

Pediatricians say... Choose a sunscreen with**:

SPF 15 up to SPF 50

Broad spectrum protection

No Oxybenzone (a chemical sunscreen active ingredient)

For sensitive skin, choose a sunscreen with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide

Warning:

You can burn on an overcast day! Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, and even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life. So practice safe suncare, including sunscreen for children starting at 6 months.***

*Source: The American Academy of Dermatology Association
**Source: The American Academy of Pediatrics
***Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation

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A couple smiling on a beach

SPF protection with minerals

SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor.” It measures a sunscreen’s ability to protect against UVB rays.

Does the SPF number matter?

While some big sunscreen companies push the idea that higher SPF sunscreens keep you protected longer, the actual difference in protection is smaller than you may expect.

  • SPF 15 protects against 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 protects against 98%.
  • The difference in UVB protection between SPF 50 and SPF 100 is less than 1%.
  • No sunscreens block 100% of UV rays.

What SPF do you need?

For adults: SPF 30 or higher, according to dermatologists
For children: SPF 15 or higher, according to pediatricians

Warning!

Despite the common misconception, higher SPF does not always mean you are protected longer.

  • Every sunscreen, regardless of SPF, should be reapplied at least every 2 hours.
  • If you’re swimming or sweating, reapply a water resistant sunscreen at least every 40 or 80 minutes. Reapplication time may vary, so refer to your sunscreen’s directions.
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UVA: The aging rays

UVA rays make up about 95% of the UV light that reaches the earth's surface. They can cause premature aging, wrinkles and dark spots, as well as skin cancer, including melanoma. UVA rays can pass through windows and clouds, making them dangerous even when it doesn't feel sunny outside.

UVB: The burning rays

UVB rays are responsible for every beach-goer's enemy: sunburn. Like UVA rays, UVB rays are another leading cause of skin cancer.

Mineral sunscreens for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin, mineral sunscreens are the better choice. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide tend to be easier on the skin than chemical active ingredients, plus they’ve been shown to camouflage redness and are less likely to cause irritation.

Blue Lizard mineral sunscreen SPF 50 sensitive lotion 3oz tube squeezed on a hand

Rosacea and mineral sunscreens

The Rosacea Society recommends using sunscreens with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, making mineral sunscreens the preferred choice for those with Rosacea.

A woman applying Blue Lizard sunscreen on her shoulder

Eczema and mineral sunscreens

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, can make finding the best sunscreen difficult. In fact, many chemical sunscreens can cause an eczema breakout. The National Eczema Association recommends mineral sunscreens because they are much less likely to cause irritation.

Play sun safe: tips and expert advice

With Blue Lizard, it's easy to stay protected–and informed. Learn more from our experts on skincare, sun safety and more.

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