Sunday, March 22, 2009

What's the difference between sunblock and sunscreen?

I didn't know they differ, until I did a research about sunblocks. So, what is the difference between sunblock and sunscreen?

Sunscreens actually 'absorb' UV rays, reducing the amount of radiation absorbed by skin. When sunscreens first came into the market, they only absorb the "burn rays" or the UVB. But now sunscreens absorb both UVB and UVA (the aging rays) radiations. On the other hand, a sunblock physically form a barrier by using titanium oxide or zinc oxide. Sunblocks were known to leave white streaks on the skin but it is better in blocking out both burn (UVB) and aging (UVA) rays.

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