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SUNBLOCKS VS. SUNSCREENS…IS THERE REALLY A DIFFERENCE?
By Paula Ashkar Aweida
Did you know that there is actually a difference between sunscreen and sunblock? We frequently hear about how we need to protect our skin from UVB rays, but we should also be protecting it from UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin deeper and can also cause more long term damage. By using a sunblock as opposed to a sunscreen you will provide better protection from UVA rays and free radical damage.
How do sunblocks and sunscreens work?
Sunscreens use chemicals to diffuse the sun’s energy from the skin which can cause an instability in skin cells and can make you more susceptible to free radical damage. Because of this, some skin experts claim that long term use of sunscreens can be more damaging than beneficial to the skin.
Conversely, sunblocks contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as primary active ingredients to protect against sun damage. Sunblocks act as physical sun barriers to protect the skin by simply and safely deflecting the sun’s energy rather than diffusing it. Sunblocks are healthier and better for your skin as a first line of defense. Do you remember seeing lifeguards in movies who had the white substance on their noses? They were using zinc oxide as a sun deflector. Today, technology has made zinc oxide and titanium dioxide transparent, which makes it a little more fashionable to wear! In addition, sunblocks have been proven to be more effective at protecting against UVA and UVB rays.
Make sure you are using your sunblock daily, even if you aren’t going to be outside much. Scientist are discovering that the sun has effects on your skin even if exposure isn’t direct. You want to be protected while driving in your car or even if you are frequently in front of a window. Remember that a SPF 15 sunblock with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide will provide you with better protection than an SPF 30 sunscreen so be sure to read the labels carefully or contact your SkinRx Aesthetician for a recommended sunblock. Keep in mind…Not all sunbocks are created equal! Over the counter sunblocks, though inexpensive, typically contain higher levels of chemical screens and less of the physical block ingredients.
For more information or to inquire about clinical grade sunblocks, please contact SkinRx & Body Wellness at 303-224-3545.
Content provided by Paula Ashkar Aweida, Licensed Medical Aesthetician and written with the assistance of Ashley Ocken. Some information provided in this article was obtained from the magazine Medesthetics.
