Sunscreen, Sunblock, SPF 30, SPF 15 – what even is the difference? We all understand that we should be protecting ourselves from the sun and the dangerous UV rays, but with what product? What is the difference between the products? So many questions, so little answers. Many people wonder what the correct product is for them, and few understand whether they should be using sunblock or sunscreen. SPF is yet another unknown territory for many, few know what SPF they should be applying, and why. Sunscreen and sunblock are similar products, yet work differently to protect from the sun. Sunscreen filters the dangerous UV rays and prevents sunburns while not entirely blocking it from UV rays, while sunblock completely blocks all UV rays from contacting your skin. Both are great products with different protection end results.
SPF stands for sun protection factor, and is the scale used to measure the amount of UV ray exposure your skin is exposed to after the use of a certain SPF product. The higher the number, the higher the sun protection factor. A men’s sunscreen with a higher SPF will filter more UV rays and reduce the amount of exposure of your skin to UV rays, and with that lower the risk of sun damage to your skin. For example, if you wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15, that means that it will take your skin is 15 times longer to burn than without sun protection. Men’s sunscreen offers different SPF levels, whereas sunblock blocks the sun from your skin in its entirety.
Sunblock
Sunblock creates a physical barrier between the sun and your skin, and reflects all UV rays, preventing any effect the sun may have on your skin. Where sunscreen absorbs some UV rays, and lets others through, enabling a minimal level of tanning and production of melanin. Sunblock contains different ingredients to sunscreen, such as titanium oxide, which can have a white appearance on your skin in comparison to sunscreen, which may absorb into the skin to a higher degree.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen protects from the sun by blocking damaging UV rays as well as absorbing them through chemical and physical particles within the ingredients included in the formula of the sunscreen. Not only does it create a physical barrier that is difficult for the sun to penetrate, it also offers additional protection by absorbing harmful UV rays. With this multi-level protection, no harmful UV rays stand a chance, and your skin is thoroughly protected throughout the day, if the sunscreen is reapplied generously. Sunscreen hydrates and nourishes your skin and with that provides additional benefits on top of the sun protective factor.
Which one to use when
Individuals with sensitive skin, skin conditions, a history of skin abnormalities, babies or pale shades of skin should use sunblock. In addition, if you don’t want to risk getting a tan, you should consider using sunblock. Men’s sunscreen should be used by everyone else, which level of SPF should be determined by your skin sensitivity, a higher SPF should be used if you burn easily, a lower SPF can be used if your skin is not overly sensitive to the sun, you have a naturally darker complexion and would like to stay protected, or if you generally would like to keep it safe while still catching a tan.
On top of sunscreen and sunblock for your regular skin areas, other sun protection products can protect sensitive areas and skin, such as your lips and your face. For extra protection, you can apply your sunscreen or sunblock to your face before applying makeup. Additional protective products such as SPF lip balm can help your lips from getting burnt or dehydrated in the heat or the cold. Don’t forget to protect areas of your skin that usually go unnoticed, but are easily subjected to the sun. These areas include your ears, behind your knees and the bottoms of your feet, they are all extra sensitive and should not be neglected. It is sufficient to use regular men’s sunscreen for these areas.
No matter if sunblock or sunscreen, high SPF or low SPF – products should be used according to the packaging instructions, in order to maximize its effects. Always purchase a water-resistant product, and apply it generously every two hours, as it will wear off from perspiration and the elements. Make sure you lather on everywhere clothing doesn’t cover, and try to seek the shade every now and then. Sun protection is not only necessary on the beach, but also in high altitudes, snow and cloudy days. Always apply sunscreen in the mountains, and re-apply the product of your choice frequently when engaging in outdoor activities. Perspiration and the elements may enable the product to wash off faster, therefore it is most beneficial to set reminders to apply more sun protection every couple of hours, and carry the product on you. If you follow these instructions, men’s sunscreen and sunblock will both protect you from the UV rays.
Whether you use men’s sunscreen or sunblock, both are great options for UV ray protection. Because of different skin types, conditions, and visual preferences – you may develop a custom preference to either product. Know your body, know your skin. If you burn easily and often suffer from the consequences of a day out in the sun, use a high SPF men’s sunscreen or sunblock. If you have a naturally darker skin tone and are fine in the sun for a while, use a lower SPF. In either case, always protect yourself from the silent dangers of UV ray exposure and use some sort of sun protection product. Best for your skin, are products that don’t just focus on protecting from the UV rays in the moment but are also beneficial to your skin in other ways. Jacket sunscreen offers nourishing, hydrating benefits, and mends the dehydration of your skin from any previous days in the sun. Additionally, it offers anti-aging ingredients, which decrease the visibility of lines and wrinkles, and decrease dark spots.