Skin Protection 101: What's the Difference Between Sunscreen, SPF &. Sunblock

Summer is almost here. So goodbye those winter blues, the cold weather, and hello sunny days. 

We love the sunny beaches, those refreshing summer drinks and fruits, but we hate the heat.

From frizzy hair to constantly sweating and, worst of all, sunburns. 

That’s why it’s very important to always put sunscreen on and any type of protection for your skin. 

However, it seems like people get confused or cannot pinpoint the difference between sunscreen and sunblock, so after much research from experts, here’s what we came up with. 

 

Sunscreen (aka Chemical Sunscreen)

Sunscreen, aka Chemical Sunscreen, works on protecting you from the sun's UV rays by blocking most while allowing a small amount through. With organic ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, it deactivates UV rays before they can affect your skin.

There are several advantages to sunscreen. First, it is lightweight and easy to wear under makeup, making it a convenient choice for daily use. Additionally, it is less visible on the skin and does not leave a white cast. 

 

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. It may irritate sensitive skin, so those with allergies or sensitivities should be cautious. Also, it requires time to activate, so it's best to apply it about 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure.

 

Sunblock

Sunblock acts as a shield for your skin by physically blocking UV rays. Its active ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, work by reflecting the sun’s rays away from your skin. Sunblock is effective immediately upon application, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays.

One of the pros of sunblock is that it starts working immediately, making it an efficient choice, and it is gentler on sensitive or acne-prone skin while also offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays. However, it does have a thicker consistency and may leave a white cast on darker skin tones.

 

SPF

SPF is not a standalone product; rather, it measures how effectively a sunscreen or sunblock protects your skin from UVB rays. It is a crucial component of these products, with the SPF rating indicating the level of protection they provide against UVB exposure.

 

It's important to remember that no sunscreen can block 100% of UVB rays. Therefore, SPF should be considered a vital ingredient in sunscreens and sunblocks.

 

 

 

Which One to Use?

Both sunscreen and sunblock protect you from the sun, but they are not the same. A sunscreen absorbs UV rays before they reach your skin, whereas a sunblock keeps them from getting to you in the first place. In the case of sensitive skin, sunblock may be more suitable than sunscreen.