Protecting Yourself in the Sun
Sunblock vs. Sunscreen
Just about everyone knows the dangers of spending too much time in the sun and the importance of using either Sunblock or Sunscreen for protection.
But because most people use the terms interchangeably, they don’t know that there’s a big difference between the two products and that they offer very different levels of protection. Knowing the differences can be critical to your wellbeing, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun.
These days, Sunscreens are more popular because they absorb the UV rays that allow you to tan. Available in inconspicuous creams, lotions and gels, they have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating; the higher the SPF rating, the better the protection the product provides.
It’s important to know that Sunscreen, because it interacts chemically with the skin, needs be applied about 20 minutes before you go outside so it has time to work. And because it won’t keep you from burning, you need to reapply it frequently if you’re outdoors for an extended period of time.
Sunblocks, as their name suggests, reflect harmful UV rays instead of absorbing them like sunscreen. And, unlike sunscreens, sun blocks don’t have SPF ratings because they protect the body from ALL UV rays. At one time Sunblocks could be spotted by their opaque white film, the funny looking white gunk you sometimes see people put on their noses, but new technology has created Sunblocks with particles so tiny, that the opaque film is no longer noticeable.
Okay, here’s where it gets tricky. Some sunscreens with SPF numbers of 15 or higher are erroneously refereed to as Sunblocks. If you want a Sunblock, don’t buy a package with a SPF number because a true Sunblock won’t need it.
Tags: sun protection, travel tip
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