Sunscreen vs Sunblock: What Are They? Which One Is Better?

 

Sunscreens and sunblocks are something that you have heard of synonymously, but did you know that they were completely different?

 

 

If you have to carry something before going outdoors, it has to be sun protection. You have probably scrolled through several blogs to understand how sunscreens work and have tripped upon its two types: Sunscreens and Sunblocks.

What is the basic difference between the two and which one is better than the other?
We will help you understand the basic difference between these two products.

What Is A Sunscreen?

 

Sunscreen is the most common type of sun protection that aids to filter or screen the sun's UV rays. It is generally white and, after the application becomes transparent. It helps keep the harmful rays out while filtering others from falling in. It is better known as a chemical sunscreen.

Ingredients

This sun-protective element is enriched with organic chemical compounds like octyl salicylate and octyl methoxycinnamate and relies heavily on chemical reactions to convert UV radiation into heat. The later is released from the skin.  

Some sunscreens also contain avobenzone, oxybenzone and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid).

Avoid sunscreen that contains fragrances, insect repellants and oils.

Application

Sunscreens work only when the skin absorbs them, so they require some rubbing in. You also have to give your skin 30 minutes, after application, before stepping out into the sun. The positive side of applying sunscreen is that it disappears completely.

Protection

Sunscreens are designed in such a way, that it protects the skin against UVA radiation, which assists in the damage of the skin.

 

What Is A Sunblock?

Sunblock helps to block the rays of the Sun from penetrating the skin, as it reflects them away. It is also called physical sunscreen or mineral sunscreen, owing to the fact that it stays on the skin and acts as a “block”.

Ingredients

You will usually find sunblocks with titanium oxide or zinc oxide, which makes them opaque and noticeable when applied to the skin. The formulation is comparatively thick, which is why people don’t spread it all over their bodies. The fact that it can be seen on the body is also a deterrent.

Application

You might observe people having a streak on their nose or face, which means that they have applied sunblock.

You can simply apply some sunblock on your skin as it acts as a physical barrier, however, it needs to be applied evenly as UV rays can hit your skin wherever it is exposed. Sunblocks do not require any rubbing in, so it leaves a white cast on your skin.

Protection

Sunblocks are designed in such a way, that it inhibits the damage caused by UVB radiation as well as the UVA rays. This is the kind of radiation that causes sunburns.

 

Side Effects Of Both

The side effects are minimal if you use them correctly.

Getting the right product based on your skin type is crucial, especially if you have sensitive skin. People with sensitive skin can elevate the risks of skin reaction or irritation by applying unsuitable sun-protection products.

These products can sometimes contain oil, which triggers acne.

Which Is Better: Sunscreen Or Sunblock?

 

Both of these product types have their positive and negative aspects.

It is recommended that people with sensitive skin use sunblock, as the ingredients present in sunscreen can lead to allergies.

The final choice rests on you as you need to choose the products that work on your skin.

All sun protection products come with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF). It is advised that you choose an SPF higher than 30, which helps to block 97% of the UVB rays.
It should be noted that higher SPFs offer more protection but none of them can block 100% of the incident radiation.

Dermatologists believe that sunblocks are more effective than sunscreens as Zinc oxide & Titanium dioxide meet the Food and Drug Administration’s requirements and are labelled to be GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective). The active ingredients are also safer for the environment.

One of the major concerns of the environment is the destruction of coral reefs. Therefore, it becomes an important factor to choose a sun protectant that offers “reef-safe active ingredients”.

 

 

Final Verdict

Both sunscreens and sunblocks provide optimum protection against UV rays. They are both reliant on certain chemicals, and their visual appearance differs too.

Check the labels on the products to know for sure that they offer “broad spectrum” protection with an SPF of 30 while being water-resistant.
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Some important information:

Water-resistant

Companies cannot claim their products to be waterproof.

Always look for products that are water-resistant. The protection guaranteed by water-resistant sunscreens is effective for 40 minutes in the presence of water.

In the case of a very water-resistant sunscreen, it lasts for 80 minutes in the water.

Reapplication is necessary in all cases.

 

Broad Spectrum

The presence of “Broad spectrum” on the label ensures the fact that the product can protect your skin from both ultraviolet rays, namely UVA & UVB rays.

 

Sensitive Skin

Companies are not allowed to write “sensitive skin” but it is meant to indicate that the product is hypoallergenic and does not include oil, fragrance or PABA.

 

 

 

References:

1: https://www.verywellhealth.com/sunscreen-or-sunblock-514381#:~:text=Sunblock%20and%20sunscreen%20are%20two,from%20sunburn%20and%20preventing%20wrinkles.

 

2: https://www.health.com/beauty/skincare/sunscreen-vs-sunblock

 

3:  https://www.healthline.com/health/sunscreen-vs-sunblock

 

4: https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/suncare/sunscreen-vs-sunblock

 

5: https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/sunscreen-vs-sunblock