The difference between sunblock and sunscreen in terms of how they work and their ingredients are similar but not the same!
They both have different materials and ways of working
Do you know the difference between sunblock and sunscreen ?
Both basically have the same function, namely protecting the skin from the evil rays of the sun.
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays which have an impact and cause skin damage.
UV rays are divided into two, namely UVA and UVB.
UVA rays are wavelengths from the sun that can penetrate deep into the skin and create long-lasting effects.
Side effects that are often experienced include the appearance of wrinkles, skin spots, and skin cancer.
It is different with UVB rays which if they touch the surface of the skin it will cause sunburn if exposed for a long time.
That’s why sunblock and sunscreen were created.
However, even though it has similar benefits, there is still a difference, you know Moms!
Curious about the difference between sunblock and sunscreen ?
Difference between Sunblock and Sunscreen
Come on, see a clearer review of the difference between sunblock and sunscreen below, Moms!
1. How it Works
The main difference between sunblock and sunscreen lies in how the two products work when protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.
It is called sunblock because it literally means blocking UV rays by forming a physical shield. While sunscreen absorbs sunlight, then prevents it from entering the layers of the skin.
Sunscreen is divided into two types, namely physical sunscreen and chemical sunscreen.
While sunblock only has one type, namely physical.
Each type of sunscreen has its own characteristics.
Generally, physical sunblock is characterized by the presence of a white cast, which makes the skin color appear white but looks unnatural, or gray.
The use of sunblock does not need to be applied many times even after several hours of wearing it, because this type of sunscreen has a long period of time in protecting the skin.
Sunblock works by blocking the sun’s rays that can damage the skin by reflecting it off the skin.
This is a great sun protection when outdoors in hot weather.
It is different with chemical sunscreens, which work by absorbing UV rays.
When applied to the skin, it does not cause a white cast, so the skin looks natural like not using sunscreen.
Based on research published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology , it is explained that when using a chemical sunscreen, it is important to apply it every 2 hours.
This is done because if you do not apply sunscreen chemical repeatedly, it will make the skin lose its protection against UV rays.
This type of sunscreen usually loses its protection quickly when the body sweats, bathes, and swims.
2. Content
Sunscreens contain various chemicals that protect the skin from harmful UV rays by absorbing them and preventing them from penetrating into the skin.
Avobenzone and oxybenzone are two active ingredients that are often found in sunscreens .
Sunscreen also contains para-aminobenzoic acid or PABA.
Moms who have allergies or are sensitive to these chemicals, you should avoid using sunscreen and choose sunblock instead.
For those of you who don’t like the presence of fragrance in sunscreen , it’s important to check the label on sunscreen products.
Because some products can have this content.
In addition, some sunscreens also have properties that can repel insects naturally in their contents.
Because sunscreens need to be applied repeatedly, the use of sunscreens that contain insect repellent ingredients should be avoided.
Because it can have the risk of causing other problems.
In sunblocks, zinc oxide and titanium oxide are the two active ingredients commonly found in sunblocks.
Due to the presence of these two ingredients, sunblock has a thicker consistency.
Most people with sensitive skin prefer to use sunblock instead of sunscreen.
This is because zinc oxide and titanium oxide in sunblocks have a lower risk of irritating the skin than sunscreens.
Because it has a thick consistency, this sunscreen requires extra effort in applying it evenly throughout the skin.
Sometimes the white cast that occurs during use also bothers some people.
Even so, some sunblock products currently have better formulations so that when they are used they do not cause white casts.
In addition, currently there are also many types of sunscreens that combine the content of sunblock and sunscreen as skin protection.
Therefore, it is important for moms who have sensitive skin to pay attention to the ingredients when buying sunscreen products.
3. Speed in Protecting Skin
The next difference between sunblock and sunscreen is the speed at which they protect the skin.
In the sunblock type of sunscreen , it does not take long for the product to work immediately after applying sunscreen to the skin.
Because at that time the skin has been protected and blocked from the sun without waiting for it to sink in.
It is different with sunscreen which takes almost 30 minutes to work after application of the product.
The Importance of Choosing Sunscreen According to Skin Type
Although there are some differences between sunblock and sunscreen, sunscreen should be used every day, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors .
Not only outdoors, Moms who have indoor activities must also wear sunscreen, you know, because sunlight can penetrate through the windows of the house.
Sunscreen comes in various textures and forms, namely gels, creams, sticks, and sprays, and even recently, sunscreens are in the form of loose powder.
Cream and stick type sunscreens are suitable for dry skin.
Meanwhile, a sunscreen with a gel and spray texture is suitable for oily skin.
So, the choice of the type of sunblock and sunscreen depends on the type and condition of your skin and family.
If used properly according to skin conditions, the side effects of sunscreen will not interfere and are still in mild limits.
Therefore, apart from knowing the difference between sunblock and sunscreen, it is important to choose the right product for your skin type, especially if you have sensitive skin.
In the journal Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care , it is stated that the biggest factor for a person to have acne prone skin (prone to breakouts), is hormones.
Hormones can cause overproduction of oil glands.
Therefore, in choosing a sunblock or sunscreen for acne-prone skin, you need to look at the ingredients and make sure the product doesn’t clog the skin pores.
Benefits of Sunblock and Sunscreen
The skin is the largest part of the body, and plays an important role in protecting the body from various negative attacks from the environment.
Although the skin can protect the body from the sun, it also needs protection and care to stay healthy.
Because, if the skin does not have protection, then the skin will be prone to breakouts, fine lines appear, and can cause skin cancer.
Apart from being frequently exposed to the sun, skin problems can also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.
For this reason, it is very important to take care and protect the skin by using sunscreen.
Although sunscreens come in different types, they can provide the same benefits to the skin.
The benefits include:
- Reduces signs of aging .
- Reduces skin blemishes caused by the sun.
- Protects skin from sunburn.
- Avoid the risk of blood vessels bursting.
- Reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.
- Balances skin tone.
Although sunscreen can provide a number of excellent benefits for the skin, the use of sunscreen can also have negative effects.
The side effects of sunblock and sunscreen can be triggered by some of the ingredients in them, so irritation and redness often occur.
Some of the ingredients in the sunscreen can also make the skin sensitive.
If this happens, consulting a dermatologist is highly recommended to find a sunscreen with ingredients that are suitable for the skin.
Although rare, here are some of the side effects of using sunblock and sunscreen, including:
- Pimple
- Itchy skin
- There is swelling and a red rash on the skin
- The appearance of pus in the hair follicles
Tips for Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Moms who are choosing sunscreen, let’s look at some tips for choosing the right sunscreen, namely:
- Sunscreen that protects from UVA and UVB rays.
- No added fragrance.
- Does not clog pores which triggers the growth of acne.
- Oil free material.
- Does not contain parabens .
- Have a minimum SPF of 30 or more.
Additional Tips To Protect From The Bad Effects Of The Sun
In addition to routinely performing skin care and protection using beauty products, you also need to apply the following things to stay protected from the effects of the sun, namely:
- Use sunglasses when doing activities outside the house when the sun is hot.
- Wearing a hat.
- Knowing the SPF content in the sunscreen that suits the skin.
- Keep using sunscreen and other skin care products even if the weather is rainy and cloudy.
Well, that’s the difference between sunblock and sunscreen that you may not know.
In order not to experience skin problems, don’t miss using sunblock and sunscreen when you want to do activities, Moms!
