Once considered a holiday essential, sunscreen has firmly established itself as a non-negotiable component of daily skincare. Yet, as public awareness of SPF grows, navigating the nuances between mineral and chemical formulas can often feel perplexing. Experts are now clarifying the fundamental distinctions between these two types of SPF , offering guidance on how to best protect skin and prevent premature ageing. At their core, mineral and chemical sunscreens employ entirely different mechanisms to shield the skin. Abi Cleeve, a skincare expert and managing director of Ultrasun, explains: "Chemical filters work by absorbing UVA and UVB rays so that your skin cells don’t have to." In contrast, "Mineral – or physical – filters work differently, creating a barrier on the skin so that UV rays find it harder to penetrate and cause damage." Dermatologist Dr Nora Jaafar elaborates that mineral sunscreens typically utilise ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to "reflect and scatter UV radiation at…