Sunblock Vs Sunscreen
Sunblock is a physical sunscreen that sits on the skin, reflecting UV rays away from your body with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It’s often thicker than sunscreen, and you have to reapply it more frequently, especially if you sweat or swim.
It’s also often harder to rub in, especially on squirmy kids. This may cause some irritation.
It’s thicker
Sunblock and sunscreen are two different types of protection that work in distinct ways to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Both prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer, but each has its own unique advantages. Sunblock, also known as mineral sunscreen, physically reflects and deflects the sun’s UV rays using ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It’s often opaque and may leave a white cast on the skin, though tinted versions are available that blend with the skin. Sunblock should be reapplied regularly, usually every two hours, and must be used in addition to sunscreen.
Sunscreens contain chemical ingredients, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octocrylene, that absorb the rays to keep them from penetrating the skin. They are more likely to have an SPF of 30 or higher, and can be found in lotions, gels, foams, and sticks. Sunscreens can be more water-resistant than sunblocks, but it’s important to reapply them regularly to ensure maximum protection.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for which type of sun protection is best; it really depends on your skin type, personal preference, and specific needs. Regardless of which product you choose, make sure it is labeled “broad Sunblock spectrum” with an SPF of 30 or higher and is water-resistant. It’s also important to remember to apply evenly and generously, covering the ears, neck, scalp, and tops of hands.
It’s more visible
Sunscreen and sunblock help protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, preventing burns, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging. But with so many choices – lotions, gels, ointments, wax sticks, sprays – it can be hard to decide which one to use.
Whether you go with sunscreen or sunblock, it’s important to apply it frequently and properly. “Reapplying every two hours is the best way to maintain protection,” says Patel. And be sure to reapply even after swimming or sweating, because these products may lose their effectiveness over time.
If you want to reduce your risk of irritation, look for a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, avoiding penetration.
Another option is a tinted sunscreen, skin care bulk which offers the same physical sun protection but with a little color to blend in more naturally with your complexion. These sunscreens can be a great alternative to traditional mineral sunscreen for people who don’t enjoy the thick, white appearance of regular sunblock.
If you do choose to use a chemical sunprotectant, make sure to read the label carefully. Choose a product with an SPF 30 or higher, and check for ingredients you might be sensitive to. The FDA banned the word “sunblock” in 2011, as well as waterproof and sweatproof claims, claiming that they give consumers a false sense of security that their sunscreen will remain effective all day.
It’s harder to rub in
Sunblock, also known as physical sunscreen or mineral sunscreen, reflects UV rays off the skin. These products contain ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that create a thick formula. While this can feel uncomfortable or greasy on the skin, it’s necessary to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. Sunblocks are sometimes harder to rub in than other types of sunscreen because the formula is thicker. This can be frustrating with squirmy kids, especially since it can take longer to get the entire body covered.
Another issue is that rubbing the sunscreen in too vigorously can reduce its effectiveness. “Rubbing removes the protective layer and allows sunlight to penetrate deeper into the skin,” says Dr Wong. Rubbing can also cause sunscreen to rub off on clothes, towels, and sand, which reduces protection.
When looking for the best sunscreen to meet your needs, check the back label for keywords like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. You should also look for the words broad-spectrum and water-resistant. According to Brendan Camp, MD, a double-board certified dermatologist, these are the most effective types of sunscreen. The key is to be consistent in your use of sunscreen. Make sure to apply it every day, especially on the parts of your body that are most often exposed, like the ears, hands, and neck.
It’s more expensive
Sunblock and sunscreen both protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays, but they do it in different ways. Sunblock physically reflects the UV rays away from the skin, often containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Sunscreen, on the other hand, absorbs the rays into the skin using chemicals (often called chemical blockers) such as ensulizole, homosalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone and avobenzone.
Both products can be purchased in lotions, sprays, gels and ointments, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for you. When choosing a product, read the back label to find out which ingredients are in it, says double-board certified dermatologist Brendan Camp. Make sure the product is broad-spectrum and water resistant, he adds.
While sunblock can be expensive, it’s a good idea to invest in a product that will help keep your skin healthy and prevent sunburns and skin cancer, especially since you should be applying it daily. The cost is worth it when you consider the damage that unprotected sun exposure can cause to the skin, eyes and hair. So, go ahead and stock up on your favorite sun protection! You’ll thank yourself later. Just remember to reapply regularly—especially when you’re swimming or sweating. And don’t forget the ears, neck and the tops of your hands. These are the places that tend to get less sun protection and can be burned easily.