Sunblock vs. Sunscreen, What's The Difference?

Sunblock vs. Sunscreen, What’s The Difference?

Sunblock vs. sunscreen, what’s the difference? When it comes to sun protection, like most people, you probably go to the drugstore to buy a bottle of sunscreen and don’t even look at the ingredient list. If it’s there on the store shelves and said something about protecting you against the sun’s powerful rays, you probably think it’s safe to use, and it would get the job done. But do you really understand what you are buying?

Most people think that sunscreen and sunblock are the same just different brands, packaging, and SPF factors. But sunblock and sunscreen are completely different, and not just in how they are formulated, but in how they prevent you from getting sun damage. If you truly want to make the right choice about sun protection for you and your family, it’s to your benefit to learn the difference.

NATURAL SUNBLOCK

A natural sunblock is formulated with all-natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that work by blocking the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them. These minerals naturally bounce the sun’s rays off the skin and back into the environment. A natural sunblock is also better for your health because they don’t contain any chemicals that your body will absorb. They are also better for the environment as they don’t affect ocean life.

sunblock vs sunscreen

CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN

Chemical sunscreens typically include active chemical ingredients such as: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. [1] They work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays and neutralizing them. The problem is that your body is absorbing them as well, up to 65% in fact, and these chemicals then put your health at risk. The most worrisome is oxybenzone which can cause allergic skin reactions and has been shown to disrupt the endocrine system. Read more about the trouble with ingredients in suscreen here.

Chemical sunscreens are also harmful to the oceans as they get into the water and destroy the reefs.

SUNCARE By LATIV, Natural Skin Revival

Our natural mineral sunblock is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and a blend of light, antioxidant botanical oils also known to have natural sun protective properties and enhances the effectiveness of this sun blocking lotion. Our SUNCARE Body Lotions, unscented and coconut, are suitable and ideal for children.  

We also formulate SUNCARE Facial Lotions for those with specific facial skin concerns. We offer a SUNCARE Hydrating Facial Lotion for dry, mature and aging skin and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Our SUNCARE Light Facial Lotion is made for oily, acne, rosacea, sensitivities, and normal combination skin types.

Most natural sunblock’s formulated with zinc oxide. Zinc Oxide is known to leave the skin white, which is why many people opt instead for the chemical sunscreens. However, our sunblock’s are formulated with a high quality non-nano transparent zinc oxide. It blends easily and leaves none of that chalky whiteness you may associate with mineral sunblock’s.

We hope this makes it easy to make the right and obvious choice when it comes to choosing your sun protection this summer.

HOW TO APPLY SUNBLOCK

It’s not enough to just apply sunscreen. You need to apply enough and apply it frequently. For best results, apply liberally and evenly to exposed areas 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

SUN SAFETY TIPS

Stay out of the midday sun from mid-morning to late afternoon whenever you can.

Skin cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and much of the world. And you may not know it, but there appears to be a link between the sun, diet, and skin cancer, read more.

Written By: Mary Ellen Wank, Wellness Advocate and Founder of LATIV, Natural Skin Revival

Resources:

[1] Healthline: Sunscreen vs. Sunblock: Which One Should I Use?

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May 23, 2023 6:30 am

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