Sunscreen can be categorized according to different standards.
By product type: Sunscreen lotion is a major form of sunscreen, besides which there are sunscreen oil, sunscreen cream, sunscreen gel, sunscreen stick, and sunscreen spray. Among these, sunscreen lotion and cream are currently the main product forms; they have high SPF values, are easy to apply, have a good skin feel, and can also be made into water-resistant products.
By mechanism of action: There are mainly two types of sunscreens: physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen.
Physical sunscreen: Also known as mineral sunscreen, it achieves its sun protection effect by forming a layer on the skin's surface, acting like a protective shield to directly reflect ultraviolet light. This type of sunscreen lotion has a thicker texture and may feel a bit stuffy, but it is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. The advantage of physical sunscreen is that it does not require reapplication or waiting for it to take effect; you can go out immediately after applying it.
Chemical sunscreen: It acts somewhat like a sponge, absorbing sunlight and converting ultraviolet rays into heat energy that is then released from the skin. Chemical sunscreen lotions have good spreadability, a light texture, and feel comfortable to apply. However, it takes some time (usually 15 to 30 minutes) for it to take effect after being applied to the skin, and it needs to be reapplied after 2 to 3 hours.
