Sunblock
Sunblock provide the ultimate sun protection for children
and adults. Unlike sunscreens the best sunblock completely
blocks the sun's UV light. Therefore the effectiveness of
sun block isn't measured with the
sun protection factor
(SPF). If a product claims to be a sunblock but gives an
SPF rating then you can be sure this is a high SPF sunscreen
because a true sunblock blocks all UV.
Sunblock differs from sunscreen in that sunblock reflects or
scatters UV light, whereas
sunscreen
absorbs UV light. Sunblock contains very small reflective
particles, commonly titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These
particles often give sunblock it's characteristic opaque
color that many find unappealing. Yep, I'm talking about
the funny lines people put on their noses!
As I eluded to in the opening paragraph, some products claim
to be sunblocks but give an SPF number. By definition these
are truly sunscreens but they contain the best of both worlds.
These sunscreen-sunblock hybrids have the chemical qualities
of sunscreens, the UV absorbers, as well they have the
reflective particles of sun block. The combination of which
creates a superior high SPF sunscreen.
Sun blocks work best on the surface of the skin and don't
need to be rubbed in, this is because the reflective particles
need to be close to the surface in order to work properly.
Afterwards sunblocks should be reapplied whenever the lotion
has been rubbed or washed off.
There are countless sunblock formulas available from as many
manufacturers. As well there are specialty sun blocks including:
sunblock for face,
scalp sunblock,
and baby sunblock.
