Sunblock

Most people use the terms sunblock and sunscreen interchangeably. They are not the same though. Sunscreens absorb ultraviolet light so that it doesn’t reach your skin.

On the other hand, sunblock physically blocks the sun’s UV rays. This includes sunblock with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Although they work well, they are messy, are usually opaque (you can see them), and so are typically only used on small areas of a person’s body, like their nose, ears, or cheeks. Fortunately, newer sunblocks are invisible, just like sunscreen. In fact, many products contain both a sunscreen and a sunblock.

Sunblock has the added benefit over sunscreen of blocking UVA rays, in addition to UVB rays. Unfortunately, many products are labeled as being sunblock, but are actually just sunscreen. If you really want a sunblock for your yourself or your child, look for sunblock ingredients, including titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

UVA – These sun rays are the ‘tanning’ rays. These penetrate deeper into the skin where the ‘tanning’ occurs. Least associated with causing skin cancer.

UVB – These sun rays are the more damaging “burning” rays. These affect the surface of the skin. UVB rays help your body produce Vitamin D but over exposure to these rays can cause skin cancer – Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers.

Typical Sunblock Ingredients:

• Octocrylene
• Oxybenzone
• Octisalate
• Titanium Dioxide
• Zinc Oxide

The ingredients of sunblock and sunscreen products can vary, as well as the % of each ingredient.

Physical sunblock ingredients – UVA and UVB protection, non-irritating, non-allergenic:

Zinc oxide – recognized as a mild antimicrobial, wound healing and sunscreen agent. Primarily absorbs UVA light rather than scattering or reflecting, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and micronized by forming many small micro particles for cosmetic use.

Titanium dioxide –derived from Titanium, a highly reflective white chalky mineral, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, micronized by forming many small micro particles for cosmetic use, listed in the FDA monograph as one the top and most effective active ingredients for sun protection.