Sunblock or Sunscreen: Which Should You Use?
Every Filipino woman must include in her beauty regimen, the application of lotions, creams or gels to defend against the ultraviolet radiation of the sun caused by the depletion of the ozone layer. Filipinos, although generally darker than their western counterparts, are not immune to the effects of the sun. The damages caused by the UV rays are sunburn, skin blemishes, aging of the skin and skin cancer. The sun’s harmful effects are most potent between the hours of 10 o’clock in the morning to 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Filipino Beauty simplifies the difference between sunblock and sunscreen, the definition of SPF, UVA and UVB to help you fight off the UV radiation attack.
Sunblock or Sunscreen?
Is a Sunblock one and the same as a Sunscreen?
There are differences between the sunblock and the sunscreen.
The sunscreen absorbs the ultraviolet radiation. It uses chemicals, unlike the sunblock, to guard against any penetration of the UV in the skin. These chemicals may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.
A sunblock, from the name itself, physically blocks both UV rays, that is, the UVA and UVB. This is why the sunblock is better than the sunscreen which does not protect the skin against both UVA and UVB. Its ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium. The product however leaves a greasy and sticky feel and it is visible on the skin, because of its opaque appearance.
What Do UVA and UVB Mean?
The UVA and UVB are classifications of ultraviolet radiation. The UVA Ray is called the “aging ray”. It hastens the aging process. It infiltrates into the deepest layers of the skin and causes photoaging and wrinkles. The UVB is known as the “burn ray”. It is the primary cause of sunburn, melasma and hyperpigmentation, among others. The two ultraviolet radiations can lead to skin cancer.
What does SPF stand for?
It means Sun Protection Factor. Sunblocks or lotions which protect against UVB rays only are rated according to number. The rates mean the following:
SPF 15 blocks 94% of UVB Rays
SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB Rays
SPF 45 blocks 98% UVB Rays
As an illustration, if a person uses an SPF 15, she can stay under the sun 15 times longer without getting sunburn than if she had not applied any sunblock at all.
