“Did you know? People who use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, daily, show 24% less skin age than those who do not use sunscreen daily.” (The Skin Cancer Foundation)

The summer season has arrived in all its sunny glory, and it is easy to forget to protect your skin. Sun damage can occur quickly, so it is crucial to wear a sunscreen or sunblock, whether you are at the beach, enjoying a backyard barbecue or indoors, within the confines of your own home. In this post, we will clear up any confusions you might have about the differences between a sunscreen and a sunblock. We’ll also provide some practical tips on how much sunblock to apply and share the important ingredients to look out for when choosing a sunblock. So, let’s dive in and get those sun protection facts straight!

What is a sunblock and why do you need it?

Types of sunblocks:

The creams, lotions, powders, and sticks that are applied to protect your skin from UV radiations are called topical sunblocks.

Topical sunblocks are of two types:

• Physical

Physical UV protectants are called sunblocks. They form a film on your face that stops the UV rays from penetrating into your skin, reflecting them due to the physical ingredients that they contain. They are usually the preferred form of sun protection as they are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions and are suitable for people with sensitive skin. In addition, they provide immediate sun protection upon application. Physical sunblocks may leave a white cast on your skin due to which they may not be a preferred choice for some people.

• Chemical

A chemical UV protectant is known as a chemical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays into the skin and converting them into heat which is then dissipated from the skin. Chemical sunscreens provide a more lightweight and transparent finish compared to physical sunblocks, which tend to leave a white cast.

What factors should you consider when purchasing a sunscreen or sunblock?

Ingredients to look for: Two important ingredients in a physical sunblock that don’t absorb the rays but reflect them back are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. They form a protective layer on your skin and don’t allow the UV rays to penetrate. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen can contain organic ingredients like octinoxate, or oxybenzone that interact with the skin to provide sun protection.

Aesthetics & skin type: To avoid having a white cast on your face, you can go for a chemical sunscreen, and if your skin is too sweaty, then you can opt for water-resistant sunblock.

If you have oily skin, avoid using creamy sunblocks since they can cause comedones (small flesh-colored, white, or dark bumps that give skin a rough texture) and can clog your pores. For oily skin, you can opt for sebum control gels, runny or watery sunblocks, or non-comedogenic sunblocks.

If you have extremely dry skin, then you can apply any sunscreen. Physical sunblocks that come with emollients are an excellent choice, where a moisturizer is combined with the sunblock.

For skin that is both oily and dry, you can choose either of the two options listed above. If you are already comfortable using sunblock that is for dry skin, you can continue to use it, but a non-comedogenic sunblock is preferred and recommended. Physical sunblocks and sebum control gels (in chemical sunscreens) are usually non-comedogenic.

What is SPF? How much SPF is sufficient?

SPF, which stands for sun protection factor, indicates the level of protection a sunscreen provides from UV rays. The higher the SPF, the more sunburn protection the sunscreen provides. SPF represents the extent to which sunlight’s intensity can be increased before it will burn your skin. For example, if you are wearing SPF 40, then after increasing the intensity of sunlight by 40 folds, your skin will be burnt.

For regular routine and staying indoors, SPF 40 and above is recommended. However, when going to mountains or glaciers, for Umrah or Hajj, to watery areas, or for vacations where there is increased exposure to sunlight, we recommend using SPF 100.

How much sunblock should you apply?

According to the recommended guidelines you should apply 2MG/CM2 of sunblock on a daily basis. This is equivalent to the two-finger method or a quarter teaspoon, for an average face. The two-finger rule consists of squeezing out two strips of sunblock on the index and middle fingers, from the palmar crease to the fingertips, then applying it to the face.

For your body, since the surface area is different for every person, the quantity you should generally apply is half an ounce at least.

When to reapply sunblock?

It is said that sunblock starts losing its sun protection ability every two hours, which is when you should reapply it. Since application every two hours is difficult, reapplying every 4 hours at least is recommended. You should always reapply your sunblock if you splash water on your face or rub and dry it with a towel since these can remove the sunblock.

Think sunblock isn’t required where you work? Well, think again!

Many people assume that they don’t need to apply sunblock while driving in an airconditioned car, working indoors, or where there is less sunlight, but wherever your eyes can see sunlight, you are required to wear sunblock on the exposed parts of your body, including your hands, feet, neck, and face. Windows can’t filter UV rays so we can’t rely on windows to protect us from UV rays.

What about people who work/stay at home?

Even when staying at home, you often encounter sun exposure. Whether it’s answering the doorbell, picking up children from school, or simply being in the kitchen where sunlight enters through the windows, you can still be exposed to UV radiation.

Therefore, even when staying indoors, it is advisable to apply sunblock as there is no harm in doing so. A single application in the morning, followed by reapplication in the afternoon, is generally sufficient to maintain protection. By incorporating this simple step into your daily routine, you can help safeguard your skin from the potential harmful effects of UV radiations.

Wearing a sunblock, under the water or over the mountains:

Under the water, there are more sunlight reflections which is why the effects of UV rays on the skin are also multi-fold. In this scenario, water-resistant sunblocks are recommended. Chemical sunblocks are the next best choice if you aren’t comfortable with water resistant ones.

There is a common misconception that sunblock is unnecessary when visiting hilly areas with cold weather. However, the truth is that the sunlight reflecting from the mountains can be even more harmful to your skin compared to being at ground level. Sunblock is there to protect you from harmful UV radiations in sunlight, and not heat. Therefore, similar to being near bodies of water, it is crucial to apply an ample amount of sunblock when visiting hilly regions to protect your skin effectively.

Applying sunblock with makeup:

Many people skip sunblock with makeup, assuming their makeup has sun protection. While this is true, most makeup is SPF 15 or 20, providing insufficient protection against UV radiations. Therefore, the first layer beneath makeup should be that of sunblock. When choosing a sunblock, choose one that is compatible with your foundation which doesn’t make it greasy, cracked, or grey. In addition, when you only apply moisturizer and day serums, the final layer should be that of sunblock.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the significance of sunblocks in our skincare routine cannot be overstated. Sunblocks play a crucial role in protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, preventing sunburn, premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Whether we are enjoying outdoor activities, spending time in hilly regions, or simply going about our daily lives, incorporating sunblock is essential for a lifetime of healthy, protected skin.