Sunscreen or sunblock? These words are often used interchangably. However, there is a difference.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen absorbs ultraviolet (UV) rays and prevent them from damaging your skin. Sunscreen is thinner and goes on invisible when applied. Most sunscreens protect your skin against UVB (cause skin cancers and sunburns) radiation only, but not UVA (causes skin cancers and premature aging). Ingredients that are usually used in sunscreens are oxybenzone, avobenzone and octocrylene.
Sunblock
Sunblock reflects UV rays and prevent them from reaching your skin. Sunblock is thicker and leaves a white layer on your skin when applied. Sunblocks protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. Ingredients that are usually used in sunblocks are titanium oxide and zinc oxide.
Which is better?
It really depends on where you are going and what you need.
If you are staying indoors for most part of the day and going out into the sun for a couple of hours, sunscreen provides ample protection. However, you’ll need to reapply it if you perspire. And do remember to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before you go out into the sun!
If you are heading out for outdoor activities, sunblock is highly recommended, especially if you are particularly sensitive to the sun and get sunburned easily.
Tips
- If you’d like a little more protection with your sunscreen or foundation that contains SPF, mix it with some sunblock.
- Look out for sunscreens which contains ingredients such as titanium oxide and zince oxide for better sun protection.
