Combination skin requires a sunscreen that balances hydration and oil control. Chemical sunscreens use active ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene which absorb and neutralize the heat generated by ultraviolet rays from the skin
. On the other hand, physical sunblock sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. The minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the main active ingredients in physical blocks
. When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to look for broad-spectrum protection that protects from both UVA and UVB rays, is fragrance-free, and has a minimum SPF of 30
. Some ingredients in sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been found to be harmful to coral reefs and are banned in some areas
. It is also important to note that some sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone, are systemically absorbed into the body after one use
. Allergic reactions to sunscreens may occur due to fragrances, preservatives, oils, and botanical extracts
