Sunscreen v/s Sunblocks

Have you always wondered what is the difference between a sunscreen and a sunblock? Have you been a trifle confused at the surplus of choice among the different sunscreens and sunblocks? Have you always wanted to know which sunscreen cream or sunblock is perfect for your skin? Well, if so, do read on
 

Difference between sunscreen and sunblock:

Sunblock is a product that contains certain physical or inorganic ingredients that physically block both UVA and UVB rays. It is much thicker than sunscreen. Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide is the main ingredient. If you have sensitive skin, then sunblock is probably better for you, because its ingredients are less irritating that the Parsol 1789 found in sunscreen. However, most brands are a combination of both sunblock and sunscreen. There are very few true sunblocks.

Sunscreen lotions contains chemicals that absorb UV radiation and reduces the amount that reaches the skin. The chemicals in sunscreen like avobenzone and oxymethyl cinnamate can irritate the eyes and even cause skin irritation. Some sunscreens contain Parsol 1789 and this ingredient does not cause irritation of the skin.
 

Tips for choosing the right sunscreen or sunblock:

• Read the ingredients carefully, especially if you need pure sunblock, as most lotions are a combination of both sunblock and sunscreen.
• Do not use sunscreen that contains Vitamin A and its derivatives, retinol and retinyl palmitate, as these may speed up the cancer that sunscreen is used to prevent.
• Do check online especially the Environmental Working Group's searchable database of all sunblocks and sunscreens before buying one that is right for you and your family.
• Read more about best sunscreen lotions for all types of skin you can include in your skin care regime.
   

More about sunscreens and sunblocks:

You need to be protected from both UVA and UVB rays. So, when you buy a sunscreen, ensure that the label says, "broad spectrum" protection. This means that it has ingredients to combat both UVA and UVB. You can also use sunblock instead of sunscreen.

SPF is a number that tells you how long you can stay out in the sun when the sunscreen or sunblock is applied, versus going out with bare skin. However, it is imperfect, because age, sun strength, time of day, and your genes all determine whether that number works for you. You should opt for an SPF of at least 30. This blocks about 97% of the harsh rays that cause the maximum skin damage. SPF 45 blocks about 98%. However, no SPF protects 100%, not even SPF 75. So, just because you have a higher SPF, does not mean you can stay out in the sun for a longer time. It is safer to opt for a lower SPF, reapply the sunblock or sunscreen, and not stay out of the sun for a long time.

Sunblock protects against both UVA and UVB rays, but not sunscreen. As of now, SPF only indicates UVB protection. There is no rating system for UVA. "Broad spectrum" means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Ingredients in sunscreen that protect from UVB are padimate A, padimate O, and glycerol PABA. Ingredients that protect against UVA rays are oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, and Parsol 1789. Some persons may have an allergic reaction to PABA, so they should not buy sunscreens with this ingredient.
So, now you know not only the difference between sunscreen and sunblock, but also how to choose the right sunscreen or sunblock. Here's to a good sojourn outdoors! Check out more about best sunscreen for oily skin here!

Read More:
- Interesting Sunscreen Facts you should know