Sunscreen vs. Sunblock: What's the Difference and Which One Should You Choose?

(NEXSTAR) — With the arrival of summer (marked by the summer solstice last Thursday), many of us are already feeling the effects of the soaring temperatures.

If you've been spending time outdoors at the beach, a splash pad, park, or anywhere else under the sun, you might have found yourself reaching for a sun protection product. When choosing between sunscreen and sunblock, you might wonder about the key differences.

Understanding Sunscreen and Sunblock

The quick answer is yes—there is a difference, although it's mainly in the details of the ingredients, according to Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, a dermatologist from Cleveland Clinic.

In fact, you won’t find products labeled as "sunblock" in stores anymore. In 2011, the FDA prohibited manufacturers from using the term "sunblock" because it overstated the product’s effectiveness.

Ingredient Breakdown

Sunblock-type products typically contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These components act as physical barriers, reflecting UV rays away from the skin. Dr. Khetarpal describes these as physical sunscreens, which are often better at blocking UV radiation compared to their chemical counterparts.

Conversely, chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays through their active ingredients, breaking them down to reduce their impact. These sunscreens tend to have a lighter texture but may not offer the same level of UV protection as physical sunscreens.

Choosing the Right Product

If you have sensitive skin, a history of skin cancer, or are particularly prone to sunburn, Dr. Khetarpal recommends using sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients are also suitable for those with fair skin, including infants.

Recently, regions like Hawaii and Key West have banned certain chemicals, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, found in some sunscreens due to their potential harm to marine life. Although these chemicals are not classified as GRASE (generally recognized as safe and effective) by the FDA, they are not deemed unsafe either. The CDC suggests opting for sunscreens containing less than 5% of these chemicals.

In contrast, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are recognized as GRASE by the FDA, meaning there is sufficient safety data supporting their use in sunscreens, up to concentrations of 25%.

What to Look For in a Sunscreen

Regardless of whether you choose physical or chemical sunscreen, Dr. Khetarpal advises selecting a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of at least 30. If you plan to engage in swimming or activities that cause sweating, opt for a water-resistant product.

Avoid sunscreens labeled as “waterproof” or “sweatproof.” After the FDA’s 2011 ruling, such claims are no longer allowed. Instead, manufacturers must specify whether their water-resistant products remain effective for 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating.

Stay sun-safe and enjoy your summer!