Sunblock vs Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?

The sun can do wonders for a person’s mood and overall well-being. However, prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause lasting damage to the skin, manifesting as premature aging, sunburns, and in some cases, skin cancer. This is why it’s essential to wear the right kind of protection while spending time outside, especially during peak hours of sunlight.

But with so many products out there, the terms ‘sunblock’ and ‘sunscreen’ are often used interchangeably, causing confusion in many people. This blog aims to clarify the difference between sunblock and sunscreen and to provide guidance in choosing the right product for overall skin health and wellness.

Sunscreen and sunblock both aim to protect our skin from the sun’s UV rays, but they do so through different means. So, how is sunblock different from sunscreen? Sunscreen contains compounds that help absorb, reflect, or scatter the sun’s rays, while sunblock employs physical barriers, inorganic or mineral-based compounds that sit on top of the skin and reflect UV radiation.

The difference between sunscreen and sunblock lies in the variety of compounds used to protect the skin.

Sunscreen is the more widely used term in skincare products and aims to absorb UV light before it penetrates the skin. Organic UV filters like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate work by converting UV rays into heat and dispersing it.

Sunblock, also called physical sunscreen, comprises minerals such as zinc oxide that sit on top of the skin and form a physical barrier against UV rays. Sunblock is effective at blocking both UVB and UVA rays and is often recommended for people with sensitive skin.

Sunblock can be used safely on the face, but skin type comes into play. Nobody wants a sunblock that leaves the skin feeling and looking greasy, or one that clogs pores and triggers breakouts.

TS Skin Care’s Porcelain Sunblock is gentle on the skin yet effective in protecting it from harmful UV rays. Porcelain is made with Zinc Oxide and organic beeswax, giving it excellent broad-spectrum coverage without leaving a white cast.

Porcelain Sunblock also gives the complexion a dewy glow, which can make it easier for people who want to lay off the foundation during the summer. It not only works to protect from UV rays, but it also protects against environmental pollutants and dehydration.

Sunscreen or sunblock should be applied every day, year-round, especially on days with long periods of time spent in the sun. Even when it’s cloudy, up to 80 percent of UV rays can still penetrate the skin.

Sun damage accumulates over time, and regularly applying protective products is an essential part of preventing future damage and premature aging. TS Skin Care’s Porcelain Sunblock is made with organic grape seed, organic carrot oil CLR, distilled water, organic aloe vera gel, and organic witch hazel, and is intended for everyday use.

Sunblock and sunscreen both aim to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but they work differently. Sunscreen absorbs UV rays, while sunblock reflects them.

At TS Skin Care, we understand the importance of healthy skin, and our sun protection products are tailored to give each client the most comprehensive coverage without compromising on quality. Our focus is to develop natural, gentle, and effective skincare products that tackle acne and maintain glowing skin.

Shop our sunblock today!