Sunblock or Sunscreen?

When talking about sunblock many people use the term sunscreen. Would you be surprised to know that sunblock and sunscreen are not the same thing? Sunblock actually blocks the sun’s rays from reaching the skin whereas sunscreen absorbs the sun’s rays. This absorption still blocks the rays from the skin but sunblock is considered by many to be more effective against both UVA and UVB rays. The rays we are talking about of course are ultraviolet rays. Not even your clothes block all of the ultraviolet rays from the sun. Sunblock is a good thing to have against the sun.

Many products on the shelf that are called sunblock are not. To find true sunblock, just look for the ingredients titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is the white stuff you see on the nose of the lifeguard. And like that white stuff, sunblock usually does not disappear into the skin. Until now, that is. Recent improvements in technology has allowed for sunblock that fades into the skin. In fact, there are sunscreens that now contain sunblock, again check your ingredients to determine which really contain sunblock.

The issue of sunblock is especially important where the sensitive skin of children is concerned. There are plenty of sunblocks for kids out there but check those ingredients and if a rash or irritation develops there are some alternatives. Neutrogena makes a good sunblock for kids with sensitive skin and there are others as well. Be sure to pay attention to SPF as well. A plus 30 seems to be a good place to start. There are even sunscreens for babies!

As we said before, nothing blocks the sun’s rays completely; hence, some doctors have a problem with the term sunblock. But a good sunblock is about as close as it gets short of wrapping yourself in aluminum foil. So, when you are at the store and choosing between sunblock and sunscreen remember that sunblock reflects the sun’s rays and sunscreen absorbs them. Then choose what’s best for you and yours and enjoy the beach!