Sunscreen and Sunblock are an important products used to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun and prevent UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage.
Both UVA and UVB rays are very harmful to the skin. When used correctly, sunscreen and sunblock can be very useful to protect the skin from sunburn, aging and skin cancer. Different types of sunscreen protect in different ways They provide against these rays, some absorbing the rays and some reflecting them.
Although they both work to shield your skin from the sun’s damaging rays, sunscreen and sunblock do so in distinct ways:
Sunscreen:
Sunscreen, commonly referred to as chemical sunscreen, functions by filtering or screening the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays from the skin. Because of the organic molecules it contains, most UV rays are absorbed by the skin, but some still manage to get through.
**Some people are allergic to certain ingredients in these sunscreens, such as para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which is a preservative. Those with sensitive skin can use Sunblocks.
Sunblock:
On the other hand, physical sunscreen is another name for sunblock. It has inorganic substances like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that physically reflect or block UV radiation from the skin. Because sunblock is typically thicker and more opaque, it occasionally leaves a noticeable layer on the skin.
Uses and Benefits
Sunscreens are used to:
1. Preventing sunburn.
2. skin wrinkles and premature aging.
3. Reduce the risk of skin cancer.
4. Protect the skin from sun sensitivity reactions, especially due to the use of creams and chemicals that sensitize the skin.
How to use Sunscreen or Sunblock?
1. Choose the Right SPF
The abbreviation for sun protection factor is SPF. It’s a measure of how effectively a product will shield you against UVB (ultraviolet radiation) from the sun.
The SPF number tells you the amount of time it takes for the skin to redden upon exposure to the sun with protection as opposed to the amount of time without protection.
If used exactly as directed, a product with SPF 30 will take the sun 30 times longer to burn the skin than skin directly exposed without protection. A product with SPF 50 will take 50 times longer.
A high SPF sunscreen doesn’t mean it provides better protection against the sun, but a higher SPF means the skin stays protected longer. For example, an SPF 2 sunscreen can protect the skin from the sun as well as an SPF 30 sunscreen, but SPF 2 requires more application than SPF 30 because it works for less time.
Renew your sunscreen at least every two hours, or reapply it after sweating and swimming.
In general, SPFs all work the same way and none of them can block all rays 100%.
SPF 15 sunscreen blocks about 93% of UVB rays.
SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
SPF 50 sunscreen blocks about 98% of UVB rays.
SPF 100 sunscreen blocks about 99% of UVB rays.
2. Prioritize Broad-Spectrum Protection
we know (UVB) rays are responsible for sunburn, exposure to (UVA) rays can also lead to premature aging or increase one’s risk of developing skin cancer, making protection from both types of UV radiation essential.
Broad spectrum is the product can protect from both ultraviolet (UVA) and (UVB) rays.
More Sun Protection Tips
– Avoiding the sun during its strongest hours (typically
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
– Wearing sun-protective clothing like long-sleeve shirts, and hats.
– Protecting the eyes with UV-resistant sunglasses
– Drinking plenty of water.
