Sun protection skincare products are selling like hotcakes now that summer is reaching its peak. Sunscreen and Sunblock have become must-have products to fight the brutal sunlight. Although apart from their names, most people have no idea what they are. So, what exactly are they? Their exact function? And which is the best option for you? To get the answers to these questions scroll down and read this piece.
What is sunscreen?
In laypersons’ terms, sunscreen acts as a screen on the skin to block or filter the sun’s UV rays. It blocks the majority of rays while allowing a little quantity to pass through. It is the most extensively used and generally available sort of sun protection. Because of the formulation and the variation in their respective purposes, sunscreen has a lighter consistency than sunblock. It’s also easier to wash off, and sweat can wear it off, necessitating reapplication if you still need sun protection. Moreover, experts advise applying it all year, not just during the summer.
Another important thing is to choose the correct SPF( Sun Protection Formula) sunscreen. You can safely use an SPF 20 or lower sunscreen if you spend most of your time indoors and little time outdoors. If you travel frequently and are exposed to the sun, it is recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Most importantly, all of this will be for naught if you fail to reapply sunscreen every few hours depending on your skin.
Now, what is a sunblock?
The sunblock is the lesser-known of the two. Its objective is to reflect all of the sun’s rays and prevent them from penetrating your skin. For this reason, it is also called a physical sunscreen. Sunblock is made with a different formula because of its qualities, resulting in a thicker, heavier, paste-like consistency that allows it to perform its task. When compared to sunscreen, it is far more difficult to wash off and does not wear off as quickly.
Which one you should use?
Also read: Splash with care! How to take care of your skin in chlorinated pool water?
When used properly, both sunscreen and sunblock are great types of protection. It is vital to try both to determine which suits your skin and meets your needs in the environment you are exposed to. Due to thickness, some people have difficulty evenly applying sunblock to their entire body. They may also dislike the appearance and feel of a product that is visible on their skin. However, sunblock offer better protection than sunscreen. If you are going for activities like swimming, then you must apply sunblock for better protection. In the end, it is up to you whether you want to compromise the look over protection. If you can regularly reapply sunscreen then it will perfectly do the job.