What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?
Sunscreen and sunblock are both products designed to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's rays, but they work in different ways. Sunscreen absorbs UV radiation using chemical ingredients, while sunblock physically blocks and reflects UV rays with mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Essentially, sunscreen allows some UV rays to penetrate the skin, whereas sunblock creates a barrier that prevents them from reaching the skin altogether.
Key points:
- Sunscreen uses chemical filters to absorb UV rays.
- Sunblock contains physical ingredients that reflect UV rays.
- Sunscreen is often lighter and easier to apply.
- Sunblock tends to be thicker and may leave a white residue.
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by medino's clinical team.