Is there any difference between sunscreens and sunblocks?
Physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are sunblocks; they physically (like a brick wall) block both UVA and UVB rays. Besides these two, all other sunscreens are chemical-based sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone, avobenzone, PABA, etc., are generally colorless and have special ingredients that filter and reduce UV rays. Not all sunscreens effectively block UVA as well as UVB rays. The chemical sunscreens break down with sun exposure and may need more frequent application. When should I use a sunscreen? Dermatologists recommend that everyone use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or greater every day, year-round. If you plan to be in the sun more than 20-30 minutes a day, you should wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Even on cloudy days, about 80% of the sun’s rays pass through the clouds. Nowadays, so many moisturizers, lotions, and makeups have sunscreen built in that it doesn’t make sense to use any products that don’t contain sunscreen. It just makes it so
