Q: What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?
A: Sunscreen screens out harmful rays while sunblock blocks them. Pretty simple, right? Think of them as the difference between a sheer curtain and a black out shade, respectively. You can put on a high SPF sunscreen and you will still get a tad bit of sun. It won't block it out completely. Sunblock, on the other hand is like a black out shade. It completely blocks out all rays.
Q: Which formula is best for me?
A: To assess how you want add sun protection to your summer beauty regime is quick and simple. If you're fair and burn easily it's best to stick with a sunblock. If you have a medium to dark skin tone, a sunscreen should work out just fine for you. That being said, there are exceptions: how long will you be in the sun, how much sun do you already have, and how much sun do you want get.
Q: Are there times when sunblock is best?
A: Yes. Say you are walking around a flea market at noon. You would want to use a cream sunblock on all exposed skin. This is mainly to ward off 'farmer tan' lines. If you're wearing a short sleeve shirt you don't want to risk getting a little bit of sun and getting that awful line. My advice is to completely block out all rays if you're in direct sun unless you're in a bathing suit. Also, parts of the body 'grab' sun more readily. We all know shoulders are prone to getting burned, but don't forget the nose, collarbone area and forehead. Physically, they are on 'top' of the body and are front and center for sun exposure. Also, they are thin skinned areas. Your nose, for example will absorb much more sun than the surrounding face. How many times have we seen a gal or guy with the dreaded 'burgundy triangle' nose? Nothing is worse looking. Keep these 'hot spot' areas covered with an extra layer of sunblock.
Q: When is it best to use sunscreen?
A: If you're headed to the beach and have your base tan then sunscreen is great. Choose an SPF that will 'buffer' out the burning rays and keep you bronze and glowing. You definitely don't want to develop a red-tinged tan. Using a shield of sunscreen keeps your healthy glow looking just that. If you are going to lunch with friends and you will be sitting outside in the shade, use a body lotion with SPF added. This is a quick way to keep skin hydrated and also have a layer of protection in one swoop.
Q: My face tends to be oily. What should I be using?
A: I definitely suggest a gel based sunscreen. You won't find a gel sunblock because block is made with titanium dioxide. You know how Lifeguards always have white stuff on their noses? That's a titanium dioxide cream. Sunblock creams have 'watered down' versions of that to reflect and physically block out the sun's rays. For day to day use, an oil free SPF gel works well. If you're going to the pool or beach, I would use an oil free sunblock designed for the face. Apply your sunscreen/sunblock right before you hit the sun and rinse it off when you're heading indoors. As an oily skinned person myself I know the importance of not having something too heavy 'sitting' on my face for too long.
Q: My face is dry. What should I be using?
A: For drier skins the world of sunscreens and blocks is your oyster. Most sun protection is designed to be moisturizing so you're in luck. A lot of times your favorite skin cream will come with some amount of SPF. Easy Breezy!
Q: I have a sunroof and I don't want to miss out on any rays. Do I need to put something on?
A: Sorry, but yes. Sunroofs are great but they lead to that horrible looking 'red face' syndrome. That's where your face (and head) end up being about 2 or 3 shades darker than the rest of your body. Continued exposure will actually make your skin a different 'tone' then the rest of your body. Your face and shoulders will tan with a more reddish hue. Yuk! I say, once again, to 'filter' the burning rays allowing your skin to bronze and skip the 'burgundy' phase. In the summer months, I put a SPF 15 lotion on my left arm before I jump in the car. Have you ever noticed how much darker your left arm gets in the warmer months? Think about how much unprotected sun your left side is getting while sitting in traffic! It's funny but true!
Brett's Tip:I'm a huge fan of 'spot' sunblocking. If I go running, I'll put a light sunblock on my nose, ears, forehead and upper chest. I do the same thing at the pool or beach. I'll put a sunscreen everywhere, but full on sunblock those areas. My all time favorite little weapon is Clinique's City Block (SPF 25). It's a great little tube to pop in your summer tote, and it's perfect to fully protect those delicate, exposed areas!
Have a great summer!
Enjoy Pretty,
Brett
VANITYMARK Cosmetics
