2007-06-17 05:55:50 · 6 answers · asked by Nana Sue 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
The difference between sun screen and sun block can basically be found in their names.
A screen is something that filters---letting some items in, but keeping some items out. A block is a barricade, which does not let anything through.
Sun screen then, allows some UV rays to reach your skin. The amount of UV rays that can reach your skin is determined by the SPF, or the sun protection factor. The higher the SPF rating, the less UV rays reach your skin. SPF ratings can be as low as 3 or 4 and as high as 45. Because it is a screen and lets some UV reach the skin, a sun screen product will allow for some tanning or darkening of the skin while preventing the skin from burning by keeping out some of the stronger UV rays. If one is going to go into water, it is advisable to apply sun screen approximately 15-20 minutes prior to entering the water so that the product has time to dry. Also, if one applies sun screen and spends time in the water, they should reapply regularly.
The role of sun block is to block out all UV rays that could reach the skin. Sun block is usually thicker and less like a lotion in comparison to sun screen. For lack of a better descriptive word, sun block is typically more goopy—and hard to spread evenly over the skin. It usually contains a chemical called zinc oxide. Since it is so hard to spread because of its texture, consumers typically do not use sun block to cover their whole body. For an infant sun block could be used, not only because their body has a smaller surface area, but also because their skin is more sensitive to the sun.
You needs to consider Your needs and the state of Your skin. More sensitive skin may need sun block or a sun screen with a high SPF. Individuals who do desire to tan their skin but have some protection may wish to consider a sun screen with a lower SPF. Sun screen and sun block are different enough, that when the consumer goes to purchase they should carefully assess their needs.
2007-06-17 06:30:48 · answer #1 · answered by Tina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just the amont of protection. Sun screen is factored at between 2 and 50, meaning the burn time is extended from 2 to 50 times longer than without any protection.
Sunblock,blocks all sunburn-causing sunlight. (Actually not quite true, but you would die of dehydration before getting badly burnt)
2007-06-17 06:05:11 · answer #2 · answered by Subic 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some years ago the FDA set the rules about what sun protective products could be called "blocks" Currently, products with a sun protective factor of 15 or higher can be called sunblocks; if they do not have that much protection they can only be called sunscreens.
2007-06-17 16:24:08 · answer #3 · answered by spike s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sun block is physical sun protection cream after applying you might look a bit fair..Where as
Sun screen is chemical.. Your skin will absorb it..
Sun protection both sun screen and block give same depending upon SPF level...
2015-04-30 21:11:07 · answer #4 · answered by Swathi Pai 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The sunlight show screen covers your physique and protects you in that way, at the same time as the different pushes a block (subsequently the call) of ice in direction of the sunlight, which follows you around and protects you from the sunlight till it "wears off", or melts.
2016-10-09 09:42:21 · answer #5 · answered by tham 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The name? I think they're the same thing.
2007-06-17 06:08:34 · answer #6 · answered by ~* Petite Choupette*~ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋