Sunblock vs. Sunscreen, What’s The Difference?

Sunblock vs. Sunscreen, what’s the difference and does it really matter? Navigating the world of sun protection can be overwhelming, especially when trying to decipher the difference between sunblock and sunscreen. At Natural Skin Revival, we understand the importance of protecting your skin from harmful UV rays while maintaining its natural health and radiance. Let’s delve into the details to help you make informed choices for your skin care regimen.

Understanding UV Radiation

Before we compare sunblock and sunscreen, it’s essential to understand UV radiation. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reach the earth’s surface: UVA and UVB.

• UVA Rays: These rays penetrate deep into the skin and are primarily responsible for premature aging and wrinkling. They are present all year round, regardless of the weather.
  
• UVB Rays: These rays affect the outer layer of the skin, causing sunburn and playing a significant role in the development of skin cancer. Furthermore, UVB intensity varies by season, location, and time of day.

Both types of UV radiation can damage the skin, making protection crucial.

What Is Sunblock

Sunblock, as the name suggests, acts as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. It sits on top of the skin and reflects UV radiation.

Key Characteristics of Sunblock:

• Active Ingredients: Typically contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
  
  
• Texture and Appearance: Often thicker and may leave a visible white cast on the skin if not applied properly.
  
  
• Immediate Protection: Offers immediate protection upon application.
  
  
• Suitable for Sensitive Skin: Ideal for individuals with sensitive skin, including those with conditions like rosacea or eczema, as it is less likely to cause irritation.

What is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen, on the other hand, absorbs UV radiation and prevents it from penetrating the skin. It contains organic (carbon-based) compounds that create a chemical reaction to dissipate UV rays. They work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays and neutralizing them. Furthermore, your body absorbs the chemical ingredients in sunscreen, 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 sunscreen here.

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

Key Characteristics of Sunscreen:

• Active Ingredients: Common ingredients include avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone, which absorb UV radiation. [1]
  
  
• Texture and Appearance: Generally lighter and more transparent, making it easier to blend into the skin without leaving a residue.
  
  
• Application Time: Requires application about 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to be effective.
  
  
• Formulations: Available in various formulations, including lotions, sprays, and gels, catering to different skin types and preferences.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

Whether you choose sunblock or sunscreen, understanding SPF is crucial. SPF measures the level of protection a product offers against UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn.

• SPF 15: Blocks about 93% of UVB rays.
• SPF 30: Blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
• SPF 50: Blocks about 98% of UVB rays.

It’s important to note that no product can block 100% of UV rays. Additionally, SPF does not measure protection against UVA rays, so look for “broad-spectrum” labels that ensure coverage against both UVA and UVB rays.

Discover Our SUNCARE Natural Mineral Sunblock

Our natural mineral sunblock is crafted with non-nano zinc oxide and a blend of light, antioxidant-rich botanical oils. These ingredients not only provide natural sun protection but also enhance the overall effectiveness of our sunblock lotion. Our SUNCARE Body Lotions, available in unscented and coconut varieties, are perfect for children, offering safe and gentle sun protection.

Specialized SUNCARE Facial Lotions

We understand that facial skin has unique needs, so we offer specialized SUNCARE Facial Lotions tailored to different skin types:

• SUNCARE Hydrating Facial Lotion: Ideal for dry, mature, and aging skin, as well as conditions like eczema and psoriasis. This lotion provides deep hydration and sun protection.
  
  
• SUNCARE Light Facial Lotion: Designed for oily, acne-prone, rosacea-affected, sensitive, and normal combination skin types, it offers light yet effective sun protection without clogging pores.

The Advantage of Our Zinc Oxide Formulation

Many natural sunblock’s use zinc oxide, which can leave a white cast on the skin. However, our sunblock’s are formulated with high-quality non-nano transparent zinc oxide. This allows for easy blending without the chalky whiteness typically associated with mineral sunblock’s.

We hope this helps you make an informed and confident choice for your sun protection needs this summer. Therefore, choose SUNCARE for effective, natural, and skin-friendly sun protection.

The Best Way to Apply Mineral Sunblock

Applying mineral sunblock correctly is essential to ensure you get the full benefit of its protective properties. Follow these steps to maximize the effectiveness of your mineral sunblock:

1.Prepare Your Skin:

• Cleanse: Start with clean skin. Wash your face and body with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup.
  
  
• Moisturize: If you have dry skin, apply a lightweight moisturizer before your sunblock to ensure smooth application.
  

2. Apply Generously: Use enough product to cover all exposed skin. For your face, a nickel-sized amount is generally sufficient. For your body, you should use about an ounce (approximately a shot glass full) for complete coverage.

3. Dot Method:

• Face: Dot the sunblock on different areas of your face—forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. This helps in distributing the product evenly.
  
  
• Body: Apply dots of sunblock on larger areas like your arms, legs, and back.
  

4. Blend Thoroughly:

• Face: Gently blend the sunblock into your skin using upward and outward circular motions. Additionally, make sure to cover all areas, including your ears, neck, and hairline.
  
  
• Body: Use long, smooth strokes to blend the sunblock evenly over your skin. Furthermore, pay attention to often-missed spots like the tops of your feet, the back of your neck, and behind your knees.
  

5. Wait Before Sun Exposure: Although mineral sunblocks offer immediate protection, it’s a good practice to apply your sunblock at least 15 minutes before going outside. This allows the product to set properly on your skin.

6. Reapply Regularly: Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Mineral sunblock can wear off with water and sweat, so consistent reapplication is crucial for ongoing protection.

7. Layer if Needed: If you’re also using makeup or other skincare products, let your sunblock fully absorb before applying them. This ensures that the sunblock forms a proper barrier on your skin.

8. Use Additional Protection: Sunblock should be part of a broader sun safety strategy. Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection, and seek shade during peak sun hours.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your mineral sunblock provides the best possible protection for your skin, keeping it healthy and safe from harmful UV rays.

Sun Safety Tip:

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 to more than just sun exposure. Read More.

Sunblock vs Sunscreen

Choosing the right sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Whether you opt for sunblock or sunscreen, ensure it offers broad-spectrum protection, suits your skin type, and fits your lifestyle. At Natural Skin Revival, we are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal skin health through informed choices and high-quality products. Therefore, embrace the sun safely and keep your skin glowing with the right sun protection.

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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