Most people usually use the word sunscreen as a general name for all SPF, sunscreen is kind of a general name of SPF but there is a difference between sunblock and sunscreen, but in most cases, people use sunscreen mostly instead of sunblock this is because sunscreen has more pros than cons compared to sunblock, whichever the case may be both sunscreen and sunblock protect the skin from harmful UV rays, in this article, we will be sharing with you the difference in meaning between sunblock and sunscreen kindly read to the end for more understanding.
What Is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a chemical composition that usually penetrates the skin and captivates the UV rays before it gets to the dermal layer and causes damage.
The sun produces two ultraviolet radiation which is known as UVA and UVB radiation, and they cause severe damage to the skin, UVA rays are longer rays that penetrate the skin up to the dermal layer which can cause severe damage like skin cancer, and UVB rays are shorter rays that affect the epidermis layer of the skin which is usually the outer layer of the skin, which can result in sunburn and dark patches on the skin, the UVA rays are responsible for early skin aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, in most times UVB rays are not present in the morning, winter period and evenings. UVA rays are always present at any time of the day this is why it is important to protect your skin from UV rays.
What Are The Ingredients In Sunscreen?
Some ingredients are put in place to be able to tackle UV rays from causing damage to the skin, these ingredients are usually used to differentiate between chemical and physical sunscreen.
- Avobenzone
- Oxybenzone
- Octisalate
- Homosalate
- Octinoxate
- Tinosorb S and M
- PABA
- Trolamine salicylate PABA
- Octocrylene
How Does Sunscreen Works?
Sunscreen works by penetrating the skin and capturing the UV rays before they cause damage to the dermal layer, a broad spectrum of sunscreen will be able to capture UVA and UVB rays, sunscreen is a chemical way of protecting the skin, it usually takes up to 20 mins before it can become effective on the skin this is because chemical sunscreen is usually absorbed into the skin and absorb the UV rays that have penetrate the skin, then converts the UV rays into heat and it's been released from the body, a good sunscreen will contain SPF 15 and above, SPF is known as sun protection factor which is a measure of protection from UVB rays.
What Is Sunblock?
Sunblock is a physical way to protect the skin from UV rays, sunblock is also referred to as physical sunscreen or mineral sunscreen, it protects the skin by sitting on the surface of the skin, it is called a sunblock because of the physical barrier it creates on the surface of the skin to block UV rays from penetrating the skin, sunblock is a thick lotion so it may be difficult to be spread easily on the skin.
What Are The Ingredients In Sunblock?
The active ingredients used in sunblock formulation is the zinc oxide and titanium oxide, the consistency of sunblock is usually thick and it's been used during hot weather conditions, especially on the beach and most sunblock leaves a white film on the skin after application.
How Does Sunblock Works?
Sunblock works on the skin by preventing UV rays from penetrating the skin, sunblock tends to last on the skin it does not require re-application, and it is usually effective on the skin immediately after application, most sunblock leaves a white cast on the skin this is because of its thick nature and the ingredients used in its formulation.
What Is The Difference Between Sunblock And Sunscreen?
There are lots of difference in meaning between sunblock and sunscreen, sunscreen absorb UV rays before they penetrate the skin while sunblock scatter the UV rays before they penetrate the skin, other differences include
1. Application: sunblock usually takes time to spread evenly on the skin due to its nature, it does need much massaging because of the physical shield it forms on the outer surface of the skin, and it requires a small quantity to prevent accumulation of film on your skin, sunblock is immediately active on the skin after application.
While sunscreen requires less time to apply on the skin, it is easily absorbed into the skin because it does not form a physical shield on the surface of the skin, sunscreen does not leave a white cast on the surface of your skin, but it takes up to 20 mins for it to be active on the skin after application.
2. Effectiveness: physical sunblock does not require frequent application it is usually effective on the skin after application, the sunblock is immediately effective on the skin after application. Chemical sunscreen usually requires time after application before stepping out in the sun, sunscreen in most cases often requires reapplying, because of its nature it does not last more than 2-3 hours on your skin, you have to reapply every two hours to help prevent UV damage.
3. The Benefits: both sunscreen and sunblock protect the skin from UV rays by preventing these UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage.
Sunblock and sunscreen help prevent aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines they can also help to prevent dehydration of the skin which can cause dry and flaky skin.
Sunblock and sunscreen protect the skin from harmful UV rays which can result in skin cancer, excessive exposure to the sun can cause a type of skin cancer known as melanoma.
Sunblock and sunscreen protect the skin from sunburn and other dark patches on the skin which may result in uneven skin tone.
Sunblock and sunscreen tend to improve your skin complexion by protecting your skin from harsh UV rays and making your skincare products to become more effective on your skin.
Sunblock and sunscreen tend to reduce blotchiness in your skin, thereby keeping your skin protected from redness and itchiness.
4. Protection: Sunblock gives the skin maximum protection from UVA rays and UVB rays. While sunscreen only protects the skin from UVA rays which is responsible for aging, there is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA rays and UVB rays.
Cons Of Sunscreen
Sunscreen may cause irritants in people with sensitive skin, but they are also some chemical sunscreen that is made specifically for sensitive skin types.
Cons Of Sunblock
Sunblock may result in acne breakouts in oily skin types and acne-prone skin because of its thick nature that sits on the skin's surface, acne prone skin types should avoid this type of sunscreen or go for sunblock with a mild and lighter consistency.
Conclusion: The most important factor to be considered when choosing sunscreen or sunblock is your skin type, activity, and needs, if you have sensitive skin it is preferable to go for sunblock while acne-prone skin is better off with sunscreen, you should go for sunscreen or sunblock with at least SPF 50 to give you maximum protection. I hope you have come to understand the difference in meaning between sunblock and sunscreen, let us know if we skip any important details in the comment section.
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