Is Sunblock Better Than Sunscreen?
March 08 2022
Spoiler Alert: You Probably Aren't Using The Right SPF Protection
Sunblock is more effective than its popular sister, sunscreen.
Sunblock vs Sunscreen: What's the difference between sunblock and sunscreen?
Sunblock instantly becomes the physical barrier between the skin and the sun’s harmful rays.
Sunscreens (made of chemicals) absorb the sun rays on the skin. Plus, sunscreen needs to absorb to skin before it starts working, taking usually 20 to 30 minutes after applying.
Why do I need to apply Sunblock?
Everyone but toddlers under six months of age should wear sunblock. Whether you’re young or old, fair skinned or dark complexion.
Why is Sunblock so important?
Sunblock is important because it helps to prevent skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer. It is also one of the most important steps in your skincare routine to prevent signs of aging.
When should I avoid the sun?
Avoid exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the peak hours during which UV exposure is at its highest.
What do the SPF numbers mean?
- SPF stands for sun protection factor
- A higher SPF doesn't indicate that it has superior sun protection—it indicates that you will remain protected in the sun for a longer amount of time. For example, an SPF 2 product protects your skin just as effectively as one with an SPF of 30. However, SPF 2 sunscreen will need to be applied more frequently.
How often should I really be applying sunblock?
To be safe, no matter what SPF you choose, it's best to reapply your sunblock at least every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating.
UVA vs. UVB Rays
The SPF only indicates the level of protection against the sun's ultraviolet B rays, which are called UVBs for short. Initially, UVB rays were thought to be the only UV rays to worry about, since they are shorter in length and cause sunburn. However, ultraviolet A (UVA) rays also pose risks. They age the skin and contribute to skin cancer. SPF alone does not protect against UVA rays.
How to Buy The Right Sunblock For You: Vie de Mer Tip
- Look for a sunblock that has 20%+ Zinc Oxide
- Check the SPF and find one with at least 30 SPF and protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Why is Zinc Oxide important?
Zinc oxide is derived from the mineral zinc to create a material that is effective at blocking the sun's rays. Zinc oxide's ability to block different types of rays makes it one of the most effective sun protection products. However, zinc oxide often is combined with additional ultraviolet-B blockers to provide the most complete broad-spectrum sunscreen. Most Sunblock with higher percentage of Zinc are thick and heavy, when applied they leave a white residue on skin. However, luxury French skincare like Vie de Mer offers a SPF 50 sunblock with 27% Zinc combined with Vitamin E and is light, not chalky.
What else should I know about Vie de Mer Anti-Aging SPF 50 face Sunblock?
IT IS VERY SILKY, it also acts as a great first base under makeup. In addition to its sun-fighting properties, zinc oxide is known for its non comedogenic and antimicrobial properties. This can help to enhance wound healing.
Vie de Mer Sunblock with 27% of Zinc oxide ingredient is safe for sensitive skin.
It is also a Physical sunblock, and works effective immediately after application while chemical sunscreens take 15 to 20 minutes to start working.
Make sure to get Sunblocks that are PABA free also known as para-aminobenzoic acid, this is a strong UVB absorber. But more research has shown that this ingredient increases allergic dermatitis and increases photosensitivity and also has a certain level of toxicity.
It is very important for sunscreen users to educate themselves on sunblock ingredients and preventive measures
3 Golden Rules for Applying Sunblock
Golden Rule 1: Reapplication every two hours is important — especially if you’re outdoors as SPF number aren’t indications of how long you should stay in the sun.Does zinc block the sun out better than sunscreen?Yes. Zinc is a physical sunblock that sits on top of your skin and block or reflects the sun rays. Zinc also has a longer lifetime on your skin and immediately starts working after applying. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen absorbs the sun rays on skin, and it needs to absorb to your skin before it starts working, usually 20 to 30 minutes after applying.
Golden Rule 2: Reapply sunblock every two hours of sun exposure and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Even when it’s cloudy, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the earth.
Golden Rule 3: Use sunblock even if you are planning to wear makeup (with or without SPF) because SPF coverage on makeup varies, and it is not enough. Physical sunblock, however, works by creating a physical barrier between the skin and the sun.
Recommended:
Anti-Aging Sunblock SPF 50 with 27% Zinc the best French sunscreen is Vie De Mer sunblock.