SunScreen and SunBlocks - Difference and Similarities

Hi Friends,

These day markets getting flooded with SunScreens and SunBlocks. People are getting more aware about their use. And with increasing heat more and more people resort to Sunscreens.

With increasing number of products comes along the confusion of choosing the right product. These days there are basically two types of sunscreen categories available in market. Sunscreen and Sunblocks. Usually people get confused amongst these. Here I try to mark out Differences and Similarities in these two product types.

  Differences : 

Sunscreen	Sunblock
Traditional Carbon based Sunscreen	Newer Chem –free Sunscreen. These have Zinc  Oxide and/or Titanium Oxide
Coats the skin and acts like sponge  and absorbs the damaging ultra-violet rays to protect the skin	Reflects the light from the skin, acts like a mirror so UV rays just bounce off the skin.
These are to be applied atleast 25-30 minutes before stepping out in sun	These work immediately as they act as mirror and don’t have to get absorbed into skin. So You can step immediately outside in sun.
Has to be applied in more quantity to get the actual and full benefit	Needs very small amount to protect the skin. The size of particles is so small that it spreads easily and small quantity covers larger area
Need quantity about a size of ONE Rupee coin of product to cover the face	Needs Pea size amount to cover the face.

Similarities :

• Both need to be re-applied every two to three hours and after you sweat and after you swim.
• If both have the same SPF, if your sunblock has as SPF of 30 and your sunscreen has an SPF of 30, they’re both going to give you the same level of sun protection.

Bottom Line :

Whether it is a sunblock or sunscreen both have same ability to protect skin from sun damage. The only technical difference is in the way they work. One Absorbs UV rays and another Reflects. Many people have a misconception that absorbing by UV rays sunscreen becomes harmful. But it is not the case. When the UV rays are absorbed by the sunscreen they become harmless. (There is some Chemistry lecture, which I don't want to get into). 

I prefer using sunblocks because there is no down time , it starts its work as soon as it is applied. And i can easily reapply it when outside without worrying about the 20 mins sunscreen would take to get absorbed and work effectively.

My Favorite SunBlocks are :

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock - SPF 50
• Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3 In 1 Matte Look Daily Sunblock - SPF 40

So, Be it rain or shine apply your sun protection everyday. 

Stay Beautiful :)

Shweta