Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen: Which One Is Right for You? ☀️ SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. Both chemical and physical sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA & UVB rays—chemical filters absorb UV radiation, while physical blockers reflect it. Both chemical and physical (mineral) sunscreens protect against harmful UV rays, but they work in different ways...