The Benefits of Sunscreen & Sunblock

In our previous blog post mentions, the main ingredients used in sunblock are inert and are not easily soaked up by the human skin. Moreover, apart from added preservatives, they do not have as many chemical ingredients as sunscreen. As a result, they are known for causing less skin irritation and/or reactions due to chemical exposure. For individuals with more sensitive skin, including children and babies, we recommend you consider resorting to sunblock as there are less chances for undesirable skin reactions from the commonly used chemicals in sunscreen

Please consult with a dermatologist or licensed doctor as we are not eligible to provide medical advice; this is merely a suggestion and should be followed up with a licensed medical professional.

Furthermore, current formulations of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide based sunblock make them non-comedogenic, meaning that they do not cause blocked pores. This reduces any blemishes and or potential acne breakouts, making it a great option for people with moderate to severe acne. Contrary to sunblock, sunscreen ingredients are easily absorbed in the upper layer of the skin. Consequently, it’s easy for the chemicals to accumulate and clog up skin pores, leading to possible acne breakouts and blemishes. 

However, there is a catch. While sunblock’s primary ingredients are not easily absorbed by the skin, it is more susceptible to being washed off, rinsed off, or even rubbed off, making reapplication necessary and more frequent. According to Colorescience, sunscreen’s ingredients are absorbed and penetrate further into the skin, making it less likely to be washed away. Thus, using sunscreen may not require reapplication as often as sunblock. 

Sunscreen and sunblock are typically sold as a liquid in an oil or water based medium. Sunblock is known for having more thickness to it, making it slightly more challenging to apply thoroughly and evenly across the skin. Sunscreen is less thick and easy to apply. Additionally, sunscreen can be sold in aerosol cans that can be sprayed onto the skin.