Sunblock vs Sunscreen, What’s the Difference?

As a Malaysian, I was always taught about the importance of using good sunblock to protect my skin from the sun since I was a kid. Over the years, I’ve noticed the term “sunscreen” is used more often than “sunblock.”

As many others have wondered, do they differ or are they the same? Let’s end the misconception about sunblock and sunscreen once and for all.

Sunblock vs Sunscreen 

The main difference between sunblock and sunscreen is that sunblock blocks and reflects sun rays while sunscreen absorbs UV rays and reduces them. But this is only true for years prior to 2011.

Because the term “sunblock” is already banned by FDA in 2011. Among other terms, “waterproof” and “sweatproof” are also prohibited. Thus, almost no products use the term sunblock in their names or descriptions anymore.

Quote from FDA:
“Waterproof,” “sweatproof” or “sunblock” claims. Manufacturers cannot label sunscreens as “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” or identify their products as “sunblocks,” because these claims overstate their effectiveness. Sunscreens also cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than 2 hours without reapplication or to provide protection immediately after application (for example– “instant protection”) without submitting data to support these claims and obtaining FDA approval.

Physical sunscreen vs Chemical sunscreen

Sunblock is now more commonly referred to as physical sunscreen or mineral sunscreen. The main active ingredients in physical sunscreen are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They are used to physically block UV rays from reaching the skin.

It forms a physical barrier between the skin and the sun’s rays. As a result, physical sunscreens or sunblocks usually leave a white cast on the skin after application.

On the other hand, sunscreen is now referred to as chemical sunscreen. They usually contain organic chemical compounds such as oxybenzone or avobenzone. These chemicals absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, preventing skin damage from UVA rays.

Since sunscreens are chemically based, they are usually more watery (similar to moisturizer), easier to apply and less visible on the skin. 

Comparison table between sunblock and sunscreen

Sunblock vs Sunscreen, which is better?

According to the table above, sunblock aka physical sunscreen is better than chemical sunscreen in many ways. In addition to being gentler on the skin, it is also more environmentally friendly.

In general, it provides better sun protection since it reflects instead of absorbs UV rays.

However, its texture is thicker and could leave a white cast on the skin. Therefore, most people would only use sunblock when they were doing outdoor activities or going to the beach.

When it comes to daily use, most people opt for chemical sunscreen because it is more lightweight and doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy.

Other terms that you should know

Broad-spectrum

Sunscreen that features “Broad-spectrum” means it is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. The sunlight produces three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Immediate skin tanning and skin ageing is caused by UVA, while sunburn is caused by UVB. The ozone layer absorbs UVC, so it never reaches Earth.

SPF

SPF stands for sun protection factor. Generally speaking, a higher SPF means more sun protection. But, SPF only measures protection against UVB rays. So, you should take note o the PA ratings as well.

Here’s a table of SPF vs UVB blocked percentages:

PA+, PA++, PA+++

PA+ stands for Protection Grade of UVA. The “+” sign indicates the strength of protection of UVA of a sunscreen product. PA+ is the lowest level of protection, while PA++++ is the highest level.

Conclusion

Both sunblock and sunscreen are important to provide protection for our skin against harmful UV rays from the sunlight. To protect yourself from the sun in Malaysia, be sure to get one labelled with broad spectrum and with an SPF of at least 30.

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