March 21, 2026

Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen: Which Is Actually Better for Your Skin?

by Front Desk in the skin&tonic blog

The weather is warming up, and that can mean only one thing. It’s time to talk Sunscreen!

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between chemical and mineral sunscreen, you’re not alone. And yes, they really are completely different.

At skin&tonic, we believe summer skincare should feel simple, effective, and supportive of your long-term glow. So today, we’re breaking down the difference between chemical vs. mineral sunscreen and why we’re proudly team mineral in our treatment rooms.

First Things First: Why Is Sunscreen Non-Negotiable?

If you take one thing from this post, let it be this: Sunscreen is not optional.

Daily sunscreen is the foundation of smart summer skincare. It protects against:

Premature aging
Hyperpigmentation
Collagen breakdown
Skin cancer
Post-facial sensitivity damage

You can have the most advanced serums in your routine, but without sunscreen? They can’t do their job properly.

At skin&tonic, we consider sunscreen your skin’s daily insurance policy.

What Does SPF Actually Mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it tells you how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays (the type responsible for sunburn).

Here’s the simple breakdown:

SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays
SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays
SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays

No sunscreen blocks 100% of the sun’s rays, which is why reapplication is just as important as the SPF number itself.

At skin&tonic, we typically recommend using at least SPF 30 every single day, even when it’s cloudy or you’re mostly indoors. UV exposure adds up over time, and daily protection is one of the most powerful steps you can take for long-term skin health.

UVA vs UVB: Why Broad-Spectrum Protection Matters

Not all UV rays affect your skin the same way. There are two types you need to know about:

UVB Rays: The Burning Rays

UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and damage in the skin. They’re the primary rays measured by SPF ratings.

UVA Rays: The Aging Rays

UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for:

Premature aging
Wrinkles and loss of collagen
Hyperpigmentation and dark spots
Long-term skin damage

Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are present all year long and can even penetrate through clouds and windows.

That’s why when choosing sunscreen for your skincare routine, it’s important to look for the words:

“Broad Spectrum Protection.”

Broad-spectrum SPF means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays, giving your skin the full protection it needs.

The Two Types of Sunscreen

1. Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens include ingredients like:

Avobenzone
Oxybenzone
Octisalate
Octinoxate
Homosalate

How they work:
They absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin.

What to know:

Must be applied 15–30 minutes before sun exposure.
Can sometimes cause irritation or breakouts (especially on sensitive or acne-prone skin).
Some ingredients have raised environmental concerns (like coral reef impact).

Many people love chemical sunscreens for their lightweight feel and invisible finish. But in our treatment rooms, we often see reactive skin that doesn’t love them back.

2. Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens use:

Zinc oxide
Titanium dioxide

How they work:
They sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays away from the surface.

Honestly, we’re firmly team mineral sunscreen at skin&tonic, especially formulas using non-nano zinc oxide.

Why? Because zinc doesn’t just protect. It supports skin health.

Why We Recommend Mineral Sunscreen at Skin & Tonic

After years of treating all types of skin, here’s what we’ve seen:

Zinc is calming and anti-inflammatory. It helps reduce redness, supports acne-prone skin, provides true broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and works immediately upon application.

Unlike older mineral formulas that felt thick or chalky, modern zinc-based sunscreen blends beautifully into the skin. No ghostly cast. No heavy texture. Just breathable, skin-supportive protection.

For summer skincare (when heat, sweat, and sun exposure are higher) mineral sunscreen tends to behave better on sensitive or breakout-prone skin.

So… Which Sunscreen Should You Choose?

If your skin is resilient and you’ve never had issues with chemical sunscreens, you may do just fine with them.

But if you:

Break out easily
Have sensitive or reactive skin
Struggle with rosacea
Invest in facials, peels, or your skincare routine
Care about reef-conscious formulas

A mineral sunscreen is likely your best match.

And when it comes to summer skincare, protecting your investment (and your collagen) is the move.

Our Final Thoughts

At skin&tonic, we don’t just recommend any products, we recommend what we see working every single day in the treatment room.

Sunscreen is the most important step in your routine. Mineral sunscreens support your skin while protecting it, encouraging consistency in your sunscreen routine. And consistency will always beat intensity.

If you’re unsure which sunscreen is right for your skin, ask your esthetician at your next appointment or reach out to us anytime. We’re always happy to talk about summer skincare and help you build a routine that truly works.

Join us on team sunscreen, and protect your glow year round.

Tags: new product products skincare sunscreen

March 24, 2026

Soft Landing Has Arrived: The Peptide Moisturizer We’re Loving at Skin & Tonic

Discover the Lenox and Sixteenth Soft Landing peptide moisturizer at Skin & Tonic. Learn how this barrier-supporting formula hydrates, calms, and strengthens sensitive skin.

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March 17, 2026

Your Hands Called. They Want Better Skincare: Introducing PAUME.

Quick question: when was the last time you showed your hands the same love you give your face? If your answer is “…never?” you are not alone. And honestly? We see it all the time in the treatment rooms. This is exactly why we’re so excited to introduce PAUME, a brand we’re officially welcoming into our Skin & Tonic studio this month. This one feels like a natural next step for us. Thoughtful. Elevated. Practical. A little luxurious without being fussy. And, most importantly: necessary! Meet PAUME: Skincare, For Your Hands PAUME is essentially skincare for your hands, and once you hear that, it kind of clicks instantly. Your hands are exposed to the sun, water, soap, sanitizer, and environmental stress constantly. They age fast and dry out easily, and yet they’re usually an afterthought. PAUME flips that script. Everything in the line is formulated with the same care you’d expect from high-quality facial skincare. Think hydration, barrier support, gentle exfoliation, and microbiome-friendly ingredients specifically designed for hands (and in some cases, feet). All of PAUME’s products share the same light, clean essential oil blend. It’s subtle, fresh, and universally appealing. Nothing overpowering and nothing that will clash with your favourite fragrance. It’s clean, soft, and elevated. Why We Added PAUME to Skin & Tonic Care for the hands comes up more often than you might expect in our treatment rooms, especially concerns around dryness, sun damage, and visible signs of aging. We wanted to offer something more intentional than “just a hand cream,” and PAUME immediately stood out as a brand that treats hands with the same level of care as the facial products we know and love. Our introduction to PAUME was personal (the overnight hand and foot mask came home with us on vacation and absolutely delivered), and from there, the rest of the line quickly earned our attention. The renewing hand serum, exfoliating cleanser, probiotic hand balm, and moisturizing antibacterial hand gel all fill everyday needs we hadn’t fully offered to our clients before now. These products are effective, easy to use, and feel genuinely elevated. Let’s Walk Through the Lineup Here’s what you’ll start seeing on our shelves very soon, and why we’re excited about each one. Renewing Hand Serum Think of this as facial serum energy, but specifically for your hands. PAUME’s Renewing Hand Serum is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and designed to target the most common concerns we see (think dryness, uneven tone, and early signs of aging). Bursting with favourite skincare ingredients like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, it delivers concentrated hydration and skin-renewing ingredients deep into the skin. Your hands will look smoother, brighter, and more refined over time. What really sets it apart is how treatment-focused it feels; it sinks in immediately, layers beautifully under a balm or cream, and doesn’t leave behind any residue. It’s an easy daily step that makes a noticeable difference, especially if hand aging is something you’ve started to notice. Exfoliating Hand Cleanser This is one of those products that instantly upgrades something you already do every day. The Exfoliating Hand Cleanser uses plant based cleansers and cellulose microbeads to gently remove buildup and dead skin while cleansing, leaving your hands noticeably smoother without that tight, stripped feeling traditional soaps can cause. The exfoliation is effective but not aggressive, which means it helps improve texture and allows serums and balms to absorb better afterward. We love this as a simple swap at your sink, turning hand washing into a small but meaningful skincare moment and setting the foundation for healthier-looking hands long-term. Probiotic Hand Balm This is your go-to for barrier repair and long-lasting hydration. The Probiotic Hand Balm is rich, nourishing, and deeply comforting, but still absorbs beautifully without feeling greasy. Its natural probiotics support the skin’s microbiome while helping restore moisture and protect against everyday stressors like frequent washing and sanitizer use. The pump packaging makes it incredibly practical for kitchens, bathrooms, or bedside tables, and the texture strikes that perfect balance between indulgent and wearable. It’s one of those products you’ll reach for constantly once it’s in your routine. Moisturizing Antibacterial Hand Gel If traditional hand sanitizers have ever wrecked your hands, this one will feel like a revelation. PAUME’s Moisturizing Antibacterial Hand Gel effectively sanitizes while actively hydrating and supporting the skin barrier, instead of drying it out. It leaves hands clean, soft, and sanitized, never sticky or tight. This is one of those products that fits seamlessly into everyday life and solves a real problem, which is why it’s such an easy recommendation for us. Overnight Hand & Foot Hydration Mask Packed with powerhouses like Panthenol and Squalane, this is the ultimate reset for dry, tired hands and feet. The Overnight Hand & Foot Hydration Mask works while you sleep, when skin is most receptive to repair, delivering deep nourishment and restoring softness by morning. The texture is rich without being heavy, and when paired with the organic cotton gloves or socks, the results are genuinely noticeable after just one use. It’s perfect for anyone dealing with chronic dryness or anyone who wants to turn hand and foot care into a simple, restorative ritual. Cleansing Hand & Body Wipes Cleanse hydrate and refresh your hands on the go. These wipes are thoughtfully created to be gentle, effective, and elevated. They use plant based cleansers to cleanse your hands and body when soap and water aren’t available. Plus, thanks to the addition of Safflower Oleosomes, they leave your hands feeling hydrated. Perfect for travel, moms, gym bags, errands, or the car, they’re one of those low-effort products that end up being surprisingly essential. Organic Cotton Gloves & Socks Sometimes the simplest tools make the biggest difference. These organic cotton gloves and socks are designed to enhance absorption when using the overnight mask or hand balm, helping products work more effectively while you sleep. Or, if sleeping in them just isn’t your thing, wear them for at least 15 minutes to occlude the creme before removing. They’re breathable, comfortable, and turn basic care into a true treatment moment, especially for anyone serious about repairing dry hands or feet. Can’t wait to try PAUME? Good news: you don’t have to. PAUME is already in-stock both in the studio and online! Whether you’re focused on aging hands, looking for a better everyday hand routine, or just love discovering what’s new, this line fits beautifully into the Skin & Tonic world. Your hands do so much for you. It’s time they got the skincare moment they deserve.

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March 5, 2026

Meet The Preservationist: Why We Finally Brought Vitamin C Back to Skin & Tonic

There’s a reason we haven’t stocked a Vitamin C serum in a while. Not because we don’t believe in it, but because we’re selective. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful ingredients in skincare, and also one of the most poorly formulated. It oxidizes easily. It can be irritating. It’s often unstable. And that is not the quality we feel comfortable sharing with our clients. So when we say we’re excited about Lenox and Sixteenth’s The Preservationist Vitamin C Cream Serum, we mean it. This isn’t a trend based add-on. It’s a strategic addition to the Skin & Tonic lineup. And the timing couldn’t be better. Why Vitamin C Matters (Especially Right Now) As we move toward warmer weather in Raleigh, sun exposure increases even before summer officially begins. Longer days. More time outside. Higher UV index. This is where Vitamin C shines. A well-formulated Vitamin C serum helps: Brighten dull skin Support collagen production Even out pigmentation Defend against environmental stress Protects the skin from free radicals Vitamin C and sunscreen work in alignment. One protects. The other neutralizes oxidative stress from UV exposure. Together? They’re a powerhouse. What Makes The Preservationist Different Not all Vitamin C is created equal. The Preservationist is formulated as a cream serum, which immediately tells you something important: it’s designed for stability and skin compatibility. Instead of feeling watery, sticky, or overly acidic, this formula: Delivers antioxidant support in a more nourishing base Supports the barrier while brightening Reduces the risk of irritation often associated with traditional L-ascorbic acid formulas Add to that two forms of potent Vitamin C: Nianacide to refine pores and even skin-tone. Ceramides squalane and exosomes to hydrate and strengthen the skin’s barrier. The result? Even, glowing skin without the sting. At skin&tonic, we prioritize products that work with the skin, not against it. And this formula aligns beautifully with that philosophy. It feels elegant. It layers well. And it doesn’t compromise your barrier to give you brightness. Who It’s For The preservationist is ideal for: Anyone noticing dullness after winter Clients working on pigmentation Those wanting preventative collagen support People who want glow without inflammation And if you’re already getting facials, this complements your in-studio treatments perfectly. Professional treatments stimulate change. Vitamin C supports and protects that change daily. Why We Chose Lenox and Sixteenth If you’re new to Lenox and Sixteenth, here’s what you should know: They’re intentional, ingredient-focused, barrier-conscious, esthetician owned, and absolutely brilliant. The brand doesn’t rely on flashy marketing. It relies on thoughtful formulation and that aligns completely with how we operate at skin&tonic Raleigh. We don’t bring products in because they’re trending. We bring them in because they make sense. The Preservationist is our first Vitamin C serum in recent years because it meets our standards for stability, efficacy, barrier support, and wearability. And honestly? It fits seamlessly into a results-driven routine. The Spring-to-Summer Strategy This time of year, we focus on: Strengthening skin before heavy sun exposure Supporting pigment control early Pairing antioxidants with high-quality SPF Building glow gradually, not aggressively Vitamin C is a foundational step in that strategy. If you’ve been waiting for us to carry a Vitamin C again, this is the one we feel confident standing behind. Adding Vitamin C shouldn’t feel like chasing a trend. It should feel like reinforcing your skin. If you’re curious whether it fits into your current routine, bring it up at your next appointment. We’ll guide you on how to layer it correctly and ensure it complements your treatments. Unlock radiant, vibrant skin with The Preservationist Vitamin C Cream Serum.

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