Sunblock vs Sunscreen. Which is better?

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Sunblock vs Sunscreen. What's the difference?

We've all been there. Sunblock vs Sunscreen. Which is best for my family? Is there even a difference between the two??

We are faced with literally hundreds of bottles of lotions at the store these days. How can you decide what is best?

Here is a breakdown to help you make the best choice for your family:

SUNBLOCK

Sunblock contains physical or inorganic ingredients that reflect and scatter the UVB light and acts as a wall between your skin and the sun. Look for Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide as the main ingredient. (Sunblocks do not protect against UVA rays.)

This may be a better choice for your family if you have anyone with sensitive skin since titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are less irritating than Parsol 1789 found in sunscreen.

Because most brands of lotion are a combination of both sunblock and sunscreen, if you are looking for a true sunblock try Blue Lizard Australian Sunblock and Neutrogena Sunblock.

SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen contains chemicals that protect your skin by absorbing and reflecting UV rays and allows a certain range of UV light to be absorbed into the skin. Look for Parsol 1789 in many of today's sunscreen brands. It helps protect against UVA rays as well as UVB. So, you get a bit more protection.

MEXORYL

While sunblock and sunscreen are both great for preventing sunburns, if you really want complete protection from both UVA (the ones that cause wrinkles and the deadliest form of skin cancer!) and UVB rays, look for the newest product on the market called mexoryl.

The Bottom Line on Sunblock vs Sunscreen:

1. Most lotion is a combination of both sunblock and sunscreen, so read the ingredients carefully if you are needing a pure sunblock.

2. Be sure to look for a sunblock or sunscreen that does NOT contain vitamin A and its derivatives, retinol and retinyl palmitate, as this may speed up the cancer that sunscreen is used to prevent.

3. Be sure to check the Environmental Working Group's searchable database of all sunblocks and sunscreens before headed to the store to find the ones safest and most effective for you and your family.

Evironmental Working Group Searchable Database

Here is a link to the SKIN CANCER FOUNDATION'S website with more important information on the topic: SKIN CANCER FOUNDATION

Want more great tips on sunblock vs sunscreen? Check out the SUNSCREEN FACTS page!