Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can causewrinkles, liver spots, and even skin cancer.

But which one of the two main types of sunscreen works best to keep you safe?

These types are known as physical sunscreen.

Woman with sunscreen on back

That’s because they form a physical barrier between the UV rays and your skin (viaByrdie).

They are normally made of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Tiny bits of these minerals act like little mirrors, deflecting sunlight back out and away from your skin.

Woman inspects her arm’s skin

Mineral sunscreens can protect against UVA and UVB light.

UVA rayscause premature agingand UVB rays can burn your skin.

Sensitive skin?

Woman comparing sunscreens in store

They are less likely than other types to clog pores and causebreakouts, according toByrdie.

So how do they compare to the other player in the sunscreen game, chemical formulas?

With carbon-based ingredients likeoxybenzone and avobenzone, chemical sunscreens work much differently than their mineral counterparts.

In fact, instead ofdeflecting sunlight, they actually absorb it.

The chemicals set off a reaction that changes UV light into heat energy.

They don’t go without their problems, however.

Whichever bang out of sunscreen you choose to apply, be sure to put it on early and often.