Sunscreen, sunblock, sunburn cream, sun cream, block out are different names of the same product. It is available in different forms including gel, foam, lotion, stick, spray and works by absorbing or reflecting some of the sun ultraviolet (UV) rays and thus prevents from sunburns, melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer). Broad-spectrum sunblock is recommended by the dermatologists for protection against all UVA/UVB rays. How many UV rays will penetrate the skin depends upon the SPF (sun protection factor) mentioned on the sunblock pack. SPF 15, 30, 45, 60, 70, 90 and 100 denotes the fraction of UV rays that will reach the skin or in other words it denotes the sunblock’s shield strength. It is recommended that a thick layer of sunscreen should be applied.

Most of the people do not know the difference between sunblock and sunscreen. Sunblock leaves a white layer on the skin and does not need to be applied after ever few hours as it stays on the skin for longer time. It works by reflecting the sun rays approaching the skin surface and contains titanium oxide or zinc oxide as main ingredient, which are less harsh on skin. Sunscreen, on the other hand, does not reflects the UV rays, in fact, it absorbs the sun rays and gets break down, and that’s why it needs to be reapplied after every few hours. It contains octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate and ecamsule as main ingredient.

Applying sunblock/ sunscreen daily can prevent skin aging and sagging, therefore, promotes younger skin for long. However, without the application of sunblock, sunburns can easily occur at any area of the body exposed to sun especially face. At Rao dermatology, we deal with the sunburns by providing effective medicines and treatments. Book an appointment with us…