By Thomas Boogren

 I will be answering my main questions what minerals are found in sunscreen and how do they work to protect your skin from UV rays. I will also be talking about sub questions like the dangers of certain sunscreens and typical sunscreen versus mineral sunscreen.

 A mineral is a naturally occurring substance that is solid that is stable at room temperature.

 The two minerals found in sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Zinc oxide is inorganic chemical mineral. This lab produced mineral is mostly found in the mineral zincite but can also be created synthetically. Titanium dioxide is the oxide form of titanium. It can also occurs in the minerals rutile, and brookite.  An oxidized form of something is when oxygen is added to it

 Many sunscreen brands don’t actually block off UV rays but soak them in increasing the risk of a type of skin cancer called melanoma. One of the chemicals used in many sunscreens called oxybenzone caused mothers to have under weight baby girls when applied to there skins.

 Zinc oxide and titanium oxide work together to create a physical sun block. They create a shield so that the suns UV rays bounce off our skin.

 The difference between these two sunscreens is how they protect our skin. Typical sunscreen absorbs the suns UV rays while mineral sunscreen blocks it off and the UV rays bounce off. The typical sunscreen includes chemicals like oxybenzoe, octisalate, and octinoxate while mineral sunscreen has only 2 active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The better sunscreen to buy is mineral sunscreen.

 If any of the chemicals are alone without the other they will break down and stop protecting your skin from UV rays.

 Sensitive skin is defined as skin that is easily irritated ranging from mild to severe. Certain sunscreens with chemicals in them instead of minerals can cause a rash to sensitive skin. The best way to keep your skin safe and not get a rash or allergic reaction is to use mineral sunscreen. The reaction happens when sunlight reacts with chemicals in the sunscreen and your body and creates a rash.

 The two different types of minerals found in sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide works together with titanium dioxide to form a barrier between the skin and the sun and blocks off UV rays. The better sunscreen to use is mineral sunscreen and a good brand to use is Honest Sunscreen.