Sunscreen/Sunblock - What’s the difference?
Those close to me hear me preach about the importance of wearing a real SPF all the time. You cannot deny the evidence. In the anti-aging world, prevention is everything. The fact of the matter is, chronic sun exposure hinders elastin production, resulting in saggy, lackluster skin. Even in indirect sunlight, the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays produce free radicals that deplete collagen resources and contribute to skin cancer and photoaging. To prevent sun spots, discoloration, wrinkles and fine lines everyone should protect themselves. Put age and previous sun exposure aside, no excuses…do it! And you’ve heard me talk about real SPFs…so I am taking the opportunity to fully educate you on the differences between sunscreens and sunblocks.
To quote from a recent site visit, “Sunblocks (physical sunscreens) are opaque formulations which absorb, reflect and scatter up to 99% of both UV and visible light. Because they are messy and may stain clothing, sunblocks are often used on such sun-sensitive areas as the nose, lips, ears and shoulders. Examples of ingredients in sunblocks are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Sunscreens (chemical sunscreens) absorb specific wavelengths (range of 200-400 nm) and are classified as drugs by the FDA because they are “…intended to protect the structure and function of the human integument against actinic damage.” Sunscreens are considered more cosmetically refined due to their pleasing consistency and are, therefore, typically used over a prolonged time for effective photoprotection.”
My view, hello...sunblock, of course. I will not purchase an SPF for myself or my family that doesn’t contain an ample amount (7-10%) of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Just doesn’t make sense otherwise. It is the one shield against aging…period. I apply my Theraderm Platinum ProSun SPF daily to my face. For body, my family and I use Blue Lizard.
Bottom line, a sunblock is stronger than a sunscreen. A sunblock contains chemicals that block the sun’s rays by reflecting and scattering them - a sunblock acts as a physical barrier. Previously, only titanium dioxide was used. Now, manufacturers distribute smaller particles of titanium dioxide throughout the sunblock so that it does not create that “white lifeguard nose effect.” So when you go shopping for an SPF, please think of me….and check out the back label. Do not buy anything that doesn’t contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or mexoryl. Otherwise, you are risking the very skin that you live in.
–Update:
I was speaking with a friend today (Hi Eric!) who provided a link to a recent article in the Washington Post with regard to SPFs. It will link you through to the Environmental Working Group’s analysis of 783 different sunscreen products. Glad to see several SPFs that I have used, including the ones mentioned above, made the list (Elta Gold, Vanicream, Skinceuticals).
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Thanks Catherine! Where do you buy Blue Lizard? Is it available at a Pharmacy or Target? I have been using Neutrogena with Helioplex SPF 70 on myself and my kids - but just read the ingredients and it doesn’t have the ones you mention.
Interesting the difference you write about between a sunscreen vs. a sunblock. The Neutrogena product is marketed as a “block”. I was in target earlier search through the different products and none of the ones marketed as “blocks” had zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or mexoryl.
Being South Floridians with Irish/Nordic skin - we need the best sun protection and we go through a lot of it - so price is important too. Thanks - I appreciate this post.
Shannon,
You can go to the pharmacy of an Eckerd, CVS or Walgreens and ask for Blue Lizard. If they don’t have it on hand, they can order it for you. I just ordered two bottles (12 oz. size) two weeks ago at Eckerd. You can also order it online from a variety of sites. I recently tried Baby Einstein’s SPF 45 and it has a decent level of zinc. You will be able to find that on the shelves for $9.99 (Blue Lizard is double). I hope that helps!
Catherine!
I recently purchased N.V Periicone’s Solar Protection and believe me its sucha treat…w 6.0% zinc oxide it doesn’t leave the whitening residue and has been combined w DMAE. I am currently vacationing in India and as you must know the sun rays here are pretty damn strong…..the perricone product has proved to be amazing. I love that I just need to apply a few drops of the CE Ferulic and top it w Solar Protection for firming and sun protection. I looked into Somerville’spf 30 and saw that it didn’t have adequate protection! ThanQ so much for bringing it to my attention!
Hi Nooriee,
I hope you are enjoying India! Some of my friends just got back from India a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for letting us know about Perricone’s SPF product. I also found Theraderm’s SPF to be quite good with 7.5% zinc. And believe it or not, some of DHC’s SPFs have 10-20% zinc. I am currently checking them out to test…it’s hard for me to believe a product with so much zinc can be so thin (so can it still protect being watery?). We’ll soon see. As always, keep in touch!!
Thanks,
Catherine
Hi–first let me say how much I have been enjoying your site since I found it a few months ago. You’re like our best fashion-minded friend, clue-ing us in on the latest and greatest!
I have a couple of questions re: the sunscreen you mentioned recently(and sunscreen in general, actually). First: with all the hoopla about Mexoryl being the big deal in UVA/B protection, should we only be looking at products with contain this ingredient if we want the best/broadest day-to-day protection?
And second: you mentioned texture; I find it so difficult to keep sunscreen on here in the South in the summer. I apply, and by the time I have been outside 10 minutes, I feel as though I have perspired half of it off! And waterproof products seem to be so occlusive, as well as making me perspire even more. And as I have begun regularly using Renova, you know I need daily protection that LASTS. Help!
Thanks so much for contacting me. And I am so glad to hear you are enjoying the site! For sunblocks, look for the following three ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and mexoryl. You typically won’t see all three together in one product. But often zinc and titanium dioxide are combined. I haven’t found mexoryl in any product other than Anthelios (if you have, please do let me know). Anthelios SPF60 XL is a great product. Zinc and/or titanium dioxide based brands like Blue Lizard, Theraderm, Badger, DHC, and Leaf & Rusher offer the best sun protection. They all have a good level of zinc and some contain titanium dioxide, as well. Always, always look at the ingredients. You want at least 4% zinc (go for 7% or more, though, if you can).
Okay, so staying power. Are you applying sunblock at least 30 minutes before you go outside? If not, you should. This will help penetrate the skin for better protection. Texture wise — DHC is the thinnest, lightest weight sunblock I have found. (In addition to one in Japan which is impossible to order from the US, so I won’t even mention it.) You might want to carry this one in your purse but apply a thicker one in the morning. You can’t go wrong with any of the above. Have you tried these before?
With Renova, you are only using this at night, right? You are correct in needing an excellent sunblock, though - (1) for your climate and (2) due to using a retinoid.
I look forward to hearing back from you!
Catherine–
Thanks for the speedy reply! And the great info, too. To answer your questions: I have not yet tried the brands you mention, though I have been considering the DHC (are you speaking of Suncut, White sunscreen, or DualDefense? I was considering the Suncut…), or the Anthelios. One note–I seem to have had some problems with titanium dioxide in the past. It sounds crazy, I know, but both the Neutogena Sensitive formula, and the Bare Minerals powder have both caused me to turn red and irritated. Any thoughts?
I have not been applying 30 minutes prior to leaving the house–only 15 mins–so I will try that. And carrying the sunscreen with me is obviously a great idea. I am applying the Renova at night, after I cleanse. My derm told me to apply to bare skin–not to apply moisturizer first or mix it with moisturizer. I have only been using it 2-3 times a week so far (only .2%), because my skin feels kind of tender the next day. I am hoping by spring/summer when my skin isn’t so dry I will be able to increase. Do you apply every night?
Whew, that’s a lot of talk! Thanks for listening
Hi Jennifer,
The DHC product that I was referring to is Suncut (I think I put the link in there so you can check it out). I have tried the White sunscreen, as well, which is good. I am not surprised to hear your problems with Neutrogena (many people have breakouts, etc., from it). However, it may be one of the other ingredients versus the titanium dioxide. Nonetheless, if you try DHC, Blue Lizard, Anthelios, Theraderm, Leaf & Rusher, etc … you should be okay. But please do keep me posted.
Interesting that your derm doc said to apply the retinoid first. I was always told to apply it last, as retinoids are very drying - but still penetrate skin, even through serums and moisturizers. I apply it every night at this point - but I started with every third night, then every other night (for about 3 weeks). My skin was very dry and tender during that time, but it eventually worked itself out. I just recently increased the strength of mine so I went back to the routine of every other night until my skin could handle more. Ideally, every night is where you want to be. Ask your derm if you can apply it as the last step in your routine at night and see what he/she says.
Keep in touch!
Thanks,
Catherine
Catherine, I found it interesting about the use of retinoids, and applying this last, so I decided to comment. In Prevention mag., it says to apply moisturizer as the last thing in your routine, because it is thicker, so it may prevent penetration of the retinoid or other antibiotic. I have been applying in this order, Benzoyl Peroxide, wait 20 min., Differin, wait a few minutes, and then minimal Curel lotion only where necessary. My face has tolerated this well, considering the harshness of the products. I think that it is helping. I have not had any breakouts lately, only the old scars are taking SOOOOO long to heal. The article in Prevention is in the April issue, and is titled “Behind-the-scenes beauty.” Thanks, Kim
PS- Thanks for any samples you can send. I am on the hunt for the best sunblock!
Catherine, I went by Walgreens today and asked about Blue Lizard. They also can order it for face. Should I use this type for my face, or do you recommend the Theraderm or DHC? Also, if I use the sunscreen on my face, could I also use a mattifier or other type of oil control lotion, or would that be too many products? Thanks, Kim
Hi Kim,
You can use the regular Blue Lizard on your face and body. They have different variations, but all work fine for me. I would use a powder with rice starch in it to help mattify. If you must use a liquid foundation, Medi-Matte Face Tint & Oil Control Lotion SPF 20 works really nicely.
Just found your site recently…love it. Great content and fab links!
My question is regarding the Theraderm Platinum spf 30. I have medium olive skin tone and it’s oily and sensitive…lucky me
I was wondering would this sunblock leave a white cast on me. I have some other blocks with high zinc content but they all leave me white or are greasy. We live down in S. Florida.
Any input with be greatly appreciated…I’m constantly struggling with sun protection issues!
Thank you,
Pooja
Hi Pooja,
So glad you found my site and that you are enjoying it!
Not that I think Theraderm Platinum will leave you with a white cast, but I am wondering if you would be better off with a thinner consistency, transparent SPF. DHC Suncut spf 30 is fabulous with 20% zinc yet disappears into skin. For you, try to find a powder with rice starch in it to help mattify. I get shiny in the summer and SPFs don’t help the matter … but I cut the shine with a mattifying powder. Due to your climate and skin type (oily), you may be able to skip moisturizer all year round. SPF should be worn all day, every day of the year - it’s an absolute must.
Thanks,
Catherine
Thanks a ton Catherine!
I will take your recommendation and look into DHC Suncut.
Once again your site rocks, I will be checking it out regularly for sure.
Any suggestions on a good brand that is reasonably priced for the mattifying powder…?
I appreciate your prompt response.
Best,
Pooja
Pooja,
I just bought 2 more of the DHC Suncut ($12 ea.) - it’s on sale through Wednesday. I use Becca’s Fine Pressed Translucent powder - and while it’s not cheap, it totally does the job. I am sure there are drugstore brands that will work fine. I recall seeing a “shine control” product on the shelves of CVS or Wal-green’s. Just look for rice starch as an ingredient (usually the “mattifying” claimed products will have this in it).
Good luck - and keep me posted!
Thanks Catherine for all the great comments and accurate information you are giving on Blue Lizard Sunscreen. I work for Blue Lizard and would love to give free samples and $1.00 off coupons for the Regular, Face, Sensitive, Baby and Sport formulas. Those interested please contact us at 423-926-4413 or 800-877-8869 or visit the website at www.bluelizard.net. The Blue Lizard Face formula has anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties such as green tea and vitamin E as well as SPF 30+ with 8% zinc oxide. It is great to wear year round under makeup. We have men calling us to say them love it too. Thanks again, Libby Williams, Executive Assistant, Crown Laboratories, Inc., Johnson City, TN
Hi Libby,
Thank you so much for offering samples and $1 off coupons to the msf community! That is very generous of you. Obviously, I am a big fan.
Thanks,
Catherine
Catherine, thanks for the samples. I just tried the Antheios 60 sample that you sent me today. I was curious about its ingredients, so I looked online. I saw that it has titanium dioxide, but I did not see zinc oxide. Is this still beneficial to use?
I did not buy the blue lizard yet, but I did see the above post which gives contact info. for free samples. I plan on trying that prior to purchasing it.
Hi Kimmie,
Glad you got the samples. Anthelios has mexoryl in it. One of my top three ingredients to look for in a sunscreen. However, I prefer a lighter sunscreen in the summer. Definitely get some samples from Blue Lizard and let me know what you think of that.
Thanks,
Catherine
Catherine, I could not use the DHC Suncut. It left a white sheen over my face and didn’t work well with my makeup. Do you know why this might be?
Hi Kimmie,
I am sad to hear the Suncut didn’t work well for your skin. What about the Anthelios? Did you request Blue Lizard samples yet? I am perplexed about the Suncut because it’s really thin in consistency - micronized zinc. I wonder if the Theraderm will be best for your skin? I need to order some more and I will make you a sample to try. Everyone’s skin is different. Sometimes it just takes trying several until you find the perfect match.
Thanks,
Catherine
I did order the samples of Blue Lizard today. Hopefully it will be here soon. I plan on buying this to use for my body, even if it does not work for my face. The Anthelios worked will with my makeup, but it made my face very oily. I guess it just has to much moisterizer for my skin. I am going back on birth control this week, as a way to get regulated with my cycle. I am hoping to reap the skin benefits as well. It is Yaz, and it is supposed to decrease the oil, thereby reducing acne. I would greatly appreciate the Theraderm sample. Right now I am using a Neutragena product that goes on sheer and matte, and works well with my makeup. However, it does not contain the zinc or titanium dioxide.
My doctor told me to not be exposed to sun without a sunblock with titanium dioxide or zinc equivalent, the higher percentage the better. I go swimming everyday in our pool, and am wondering what I can put on with the sunblock, say the Blue Lizard product, that will keep the stuff from washing off so I can swim a while. Any suggestions?
Your doctor is right … so you are right on the money, Donna! I really like Blue Lizard. It stays for a couple of hours - though, I still re-lube every hour on the hour with my fair skin. See how the Lizard works for you. Another recommendation would be Badger. My kids have never burned with either. How long do you swim?
Thanks,
Catherine
Catherine, you had sent me a sample of DHC’s White Sunscreen, and I think this will work better for my skin. I guess that may be due to the less amount of zinc oxide. Is there any way you can send me a couple more samples of this so I can try it a couple of days to see if it works with my makeup? I saw that it is on sale this month, so I may purchase it. Thanks, Kimmie
Hi Kimmie,
Sorry for the delay (NYC trip). I don’t have any more of the White Sunscreen. However, I will be getting a bottle of Dr. LeWinn’s sunscreen in that I am very excited about (20% micronized zinc) and will make a sample up for you. I haven’t had a chance to order the Theraderm one yet…but will try to get you a sample of that. I am glad to hear that the White Sunscreen was more successful for you.
Thanks,
Catherine
Catherine, I went ahead and ordered a bottle of the white sunscreen while it was on sale. I will let you know how it is working after I have used it a few days.
I am trying to go without suncreen a few days here and there to get some color on my face. I just feel that my skin color is so pale sometimes, and I have a lot of little red blotches. Do you think this is a good idea?
Thanks, Kimmie
Technically, no color is good color. However, we all need our Vitamin D (15 minutes of natural sunlight). My suggestion would be, rather than go without sunscreen, use bronzing powder or gel to give you color. It’s much safer. Normally I might recommend self tanner for your face, but given your acne, I would pass on that. I don’t even put self tanner on my face because I have noticed break outs before from it.
Did you receive the Dr. LeWinn’s sunscreen yet?