Sunscreen Verses Sunblock
Did you know that eighty percent of skin damage by the sun is done
before
you reach the age of eighteen? Although ultra-violet radiation is
essential to
our health and wellbeing, long days in the sun damage our cells and put
us at
higher risk for skin cancer. Protecting our skin can be done by using
topical
concoctions known as sunscreens and sunblocks. But what's the
difference? Which
is better?
The major difference between sunscreen and sunblock is how they
react with
the UV rays and which rays they protect against. Sunscreen is what is
known as
a chemical blocker. It absorbs the UVB rays and scatters them, causing
the
length of the waves to alter just enough to limit the damaging affect
of
overexposure. Sunblock; however, is what is known as a physical
blocker.
Sunblocks actually reflect both visible and UV light. Sunblocks are a
great
source of long term coverage for both UVA and UVB rays with up to
ninety-nine
percent effectiveness.
The most common chemicals found in sunscreens are para-aminobenzoic
acid
(PABA), benzophenones, cinnamates, and salicylates. The chemicals act
as dyes
and absorb UVB radiation. Although it is important to protect ourselves
from
the sun, applying these chemicals to our skin can be difficult due to
allergies,
staining, odor, and their greasy nature. Before slathering yourself
with a new
sunscreen, it might be wise to test a small amount on your arm or leg.
Sunblocks most commonly are made from zinc oxide or titanium
dioxide. In
the past they are usually opaque creams but in today’s market are now
refined to
be more acceptable in modern day society.
So which is better? Both do the job; however, even with the
refinement of
sunblocks the manufacturers lean toward the production of sunscreens
which we
find in our stores today. But no matter if you choose a sunscreen or a
sunblock
it is very important to choose the right one for you. Think of your
skin type
and the amount of sun protection (SPF)
you will need for the time you
overexpose you in the sun.