Sun protection – a topic that affects our skin and health, but is unfortunately often underestimated. Because sun protection is not just a beauty trend, but an essential protection for our largest organ.

In addition to heat, the sun also emits ultraviolet (or UV) rays, which we cannot see or perceive with other senses. UV radiation is carcinogenic and has negative health effects on our skin and eyes. These can manifest themselves immediately, i.e. acutely and in the short term in the form of sunburn, eye inflammation and allergic reactions, or have long-term effects. The most serious long-term consequences include various types of skin cancer. The number of skin cancer cases in Germany has more than doubled since 2000, so it is increasing all the time. In addition to skin cancer, UV radiation can also lead to cataracts or other eye diseases in the long term and cause premature aging of the skin. This then manifests itself not only in the form of wrinkles, but also in slower wound healing. To avoid damage to the skin from UV radiation, you should avoid strong UV radiation and dress properly. Uncovered skin should be protected with sunscreen. be protected .

Today we're talking about sun protection, or more specifically the two most common UV filters: the organic or chemical filter and the inorganic one, which is better known as the mineral one.

What is a mineral sunscreen?

Mineral sun protection is of completely natural origin in the form of minerals - such as titanium oxide and zinc oxide. They form a protective film on the skin that reflects and scatters UV rays - similar to a mirror. Mineral filters are effective immediately after application and do not hinder the body's own vitamin D production. They are also tolerated by children's skin and sensitive skin.

With higher sun protection factors, a white film forms on the skin after application. Some brands of natural cosmetic sunscreens react to this problem by reducing the minerals to nano size. This makes the creams easier to spread, offers high UV protection and does not leave a white film. The problem: Due to their tiny size, they are not entirely uncontroversial. They are suspected of penetrating the skin and then the body. Their effect on the body has not yet been sufficiently researched. However, studies have shown that inhaling nano-titanium oxide can lead to pneumonia. This is why sunscreen sprays with nano-titanium oxide are particularly questionable, because when you spray them, you are more likely to inhale the mineral in nano size than in cream form. Unfortunately, the impact of nanoparticles on the environment has not yet been sufficiently researched. However, nanoparticles made of zinc oxide are said to damage and bleach corals on direct contact through the formation of zinc ions and physical damage. To limit the formation of radicals, the nanoparticles are often coated with silicon oxide, magnesium or aluminum, but this does not help against coral damage upon direct contact.

However, larger particles of zinc and titanium oxide are largely environmentally and skin-neutral UV filters . This is why our mineral organic sun creams do not contain any nanoparticles .

What is chemical sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens are synthetic in origin and must penetrate the epidermis - the top layer of our skin - to be effective. Our skin is then protected from UV damage by absorbing UV rays and converting them into (harmless) heat. This is why the protective effect only takes effect 15-30 minutes after application . A combination of several synthetic active ingredients is necessary to cover the entire UV spectrum.

Some chemical filters, especially benzophenone-3 or EHMC (ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate), are hormone-active chemicals , or EDCs (endocrine disrupting chemicals), which means they can trigger biochemical reactions in various parts of the human body. A Danish study in 2016 showed that some chemical UV filters have a negative effect on human sperm because they act in a similar way to the hormone progesterone. In addition, some chemical active ingredients are suspected of being carcinogenic . Unfortunately, the general potential for damage caused by chemicals that have entered the body has not yet been sufficiently researched.

At the beginning of 2021, the US state of Hawaii banned sunscreen containing the chemical filters octinoxate and oxybenzone to protect the ocean . In Germany, these substances are still permitted, but more and more sunscreen manufacturers are advertising "reef-friendly" sunscreen that no longer contains these two chemicals.

However, other chemical UV filters also have a negative impact on the environment - especially under water: A study by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has shown that numerous chemicals in sunscreen are harmful to the underwater world . These chemicals promote the bleaching and even death of corals, infertility in fish and impairments in the growth and photosynthesis performance of green algae . They also affect the hormonal balance of numerous marine animals, the consequences of which are still unclear.

Benefits of Chemical Sunscreen

Broad protection: Some chemical filters offer broad protection against both types of UV rays: UVA and UVB.

Easier to apply: Because of their mostly liquid consistency, chemical sunscreens are easier to spread on the skin. Therefore, smaller amounts are needed to protect larger areas. In addition, a chemical filter does not leave a white film on the skin.

Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen

Instant effect, no waiting: Mineral sunscreen protects your skin immediately after application, so it doesn't need to be absorbed for 30 minutes. This is because mineral sunscreen sits on the skin and doesn't need to be absorbed, which is perfect for spontaneous outdoor activities.

Safety for sensitive skin: A mineral filter does not penetrate the upper layers of the skin or only penetrates very slightly and forms a protective film on the skin. This means that they are often less irritating. In general, mineral components are hardly allergenic. This is why mineral sun protection is also suitable for children and people with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema.

Long durability: Mineral filters do not tend to degrade under sunlight or other environmental conditions, often remain stable for longer and retain their protective effect over a longer period of time.

100% natural: Mineral sunscreens consist entirely of natural ingredients and do not contain any chemicals. Therefore, mineral, organic certified sunscreens are generally better for your own health and the environment. Sunscreen with mineral filters is expressly recommended for babies, small children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women.

Our conclusion:

We want to care for our skin as sustainably as possible. For us, that means that we do not want to use chemicals or other substances that have been proven to harm our bodies and whose full effect on our bodies has not yet been fully researched. For us, this also means that we do not want to harm the environment by protecting our skin, especially when numerous independent studies show this. That is why we use the mineral filters titanium and zinc oxide in our sun cream , the combination of which offers strong protection against UV-A and UV-B radiation. We use both minerals in non-nano size for the benefit of the environment and our bodies. This makes our Naseweiss the perfect choice for protection from the sun - even for children and people with very sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea.

It is available with SPF50 in the Naseweiss design and in cooperation with Die Biene Maja as well as with SPF30 in vegan .

Overview: Advantages and disadvantages of chemical and mineral UV filters

Mineral filters

Advantages	Disadvantages
Immediate effect	whitening effect
Suitable for sensitive skin, (small) children and skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema	Nano particles in mineral filters are controversial, as nano zinc oxide has been proven to damage corals and nano titanium oxide can cause pneumonia if inhaled. Other effects on the body and the environment have not yet been sufficiently researched. (Important: This only applies to nano-sized minerals!)
Long shelf life
Only natural ingredients, no chemicals

Chemical filters

Advantages	Disadvantages
Broad protection against UVA and UVB radiation	Some chemical UV filters have a hormone-active effect ( endocrine disrupting chemicals )
Easy application	Some chemical UV filters are considered carcinogenic
	General damage potential to the body has not yet been sufficiently researched
	Environmental damage: - coral bleaching and death - Infertility of fish - Negative effects on green algae growth and their photosynthesis performance - Effect on the hormone balance of marine animals